Amphiphilic alginic acid particle group and method for producing same

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides amphiphilic polymer particles which are formed from a naturally derived starting material and exhibit hydrophobicity, while maintaining an adequate water absorption. An amphiphilic alginic acid particle group which is obtained by subjecting a polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid to a hydrophobization treatment with use of a hydrophobizing agent, wherein: some metal ions in the polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid are hydrophobized through a chemical bond with the hydrophobizing agent; the contact angle at 30 seconds after dropping a water droplet on the particle group is from 300 to 150°; and the water absorption per 100 g of the particles is not less than the oil absorption per 100 g of the particles.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to amphiphilic alginic acid particles and a method for producing the same.

BACKGROUND ART

Fine particles serve as an important material in key industries. Synthetic resins have been used up until now as a starting material for fine particles. However, environmental pollution (marine pollution) and adverse ecological impacts by microplastics have become serious problems in recent years, and so efforts are starting to be made to reduce the generation of microplastics.

Although there is interest in the use of naturally occurring polymers such as cellulose as starting materials for making fine particles, cellulose readily absorbs water and has a relatively high swellability. A high swellability is not desirable from the standpoint of dimensional stability and also tactile feel and moldability. Moreover, even though cellulose has a high degradability on land such as in the soil, the solubility and decomposability of cellulose in the marine environment are low.

Alginic acid is a polymer derived from seaweed. Because it is broken down by marine microorganisms and also by enzymes released from seaweeds, shellfish and the like, decomposition in the ocean is relatively rapid. However, it has an excessively high water absorbency, and so industrial use is limited.

As described in Non-Patent Document 1, by calcium-crosslinking alginic acid, the swellability can be suppressed, enabling the characteristics of alginic acid to be put to full use in cosmetics such as antiperspirants that require moisture absorbing and releasing properties, which is highly advantageous. On the other hand, in base makeup, point makeup and the like, when the humidity of outside air is high, the makeup readily absorbs moisture and thus tends to feel sticky depending on the weather, which may be unpleasant to some users. Also, calcium alginate particles have a high water absorbency and, being high-performance, tend to cause makeup to run or smear. Moreover, when the water absorbency is too high, the compatibility with oils in liquid foundations, makeup bases and the like is poor, which may limit the product formulations and applications.

Separately, in fields such as electrical materials that are averse to water absorption and moisture absorption, when the water absorption is excessively high, there is a risk of calcium alginate particles lowering the performance and so applications directed at industrial materials are limited. Hence, there exists a desire for a basic ingredient that takes into account environmental problems such as marine pollution and is useful in industrial materials overall.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS Non-Patent Documents

-   Non-Patent Document 1: Sato, T., et al.: “Development of calcium     alginate fine particles and expansion of their use into cosmetics,”     Sen'i to Kogyo, 20, No. 1, pp. 20-26 (1996).

SUMMARY OF INVENTION Technical Problem

The present invention was arrived at in light of the above circumstances. The object of this invention is to provide amphiphilic polymer particles which can address the above desires, use a naturally occurring ingredient as the starting material, and are hydrophobic while yet maintaining a suitable water absorbency.

Solution to Problem

The inventors have conducted extensive investigations in order to achieve the above object. As a result, they have discovered a method for hydrophobizing particles composed of a crosslinked alginic acid such as calcium alginate that entails chemical bonding with the particles. The inventors have also found that partially hydrophobized alginic acid particles have a certain degree of water repellency and an excellent tactile feel and that although these particles are insoluble in water, they dissolve in seawater and are decomposed by microorganisms, making them useful as a measure for controlling marine pollution. These discoveries ultimately led to the present invention.

Accordingly, the invention provides the following amphiphilic alginic acid particles and methods for producing the same.

-   -   1. Amphiphilic alginic acid particles obtained by subjecting a         polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid to hydrophobizing         treatment using a hydrophobizing agent, wherein the particles         are hydrophobized by way of chemical bonding between some metal         ions in the polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid and the         hydrophobizing agent, have a contact angle 30 seconds after a         water droplet is placed on the particles of at least 300 and not         more than 150°, and have a water absorption per 100 g of         particles and an oil absorption per 100 g of particles such that         the water absorption is equal to or greater than the oil         absorption.     -   2. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of 1 above, wherein         the hydrophobizing agent is a salt compound.     -   3. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of 2 above, wherein         the hydrophobizing agent is a carboxylic acid salt, an amino         acid derivative salt, a sulfonic acid salt or a sulfur ester         salt.     -   4. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of 3 above, wherein         the hydrophobizing agent is at least one selected from the group         consisting of carboxylic acid salts and amino acid derivative         salts.     -   5. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of any of 1 to 4         above, wherein the metal is a metal that forms divalent ions.     -   6. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of 5 above, wherein         the metal is calcium.     -   7. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of any of 1 to 6 above         which, at 25° C., are insoluble in water and soluble in a 3 wt %         aqueous solution of sodium chloride.     -   8. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of any of 1 to 7 above         which have an average particle size of 5 mm or less.     -   9. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of any of 1 to 8 above         wherein, letting SD1, SD2 and SD3 be the respective percent         transmittances to 560 nm wavelength light of a dispersion         prepared by dispersing the amphiphilic alginic acid particles in         a 3 wt % aqueous solution of sodium chloride to a concentration         of 0.1 wt % when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720 hours have elapsed         following preparation, and letting WD1, WD2 and WD3 be the         respective percent transmittances to 560 nm wavelength light of         a dispersion prepared by dispersing the amphiphilic alginic acid         particles in water to a concentration of 0.1 wt % when 72 hours,         240 hours and 720 hours have elapsed following preparation, at         least one of the ratios WD1/SD1, WD2/SD2 and WD3/SD3 is 0.9 or         less.     -   10. A cosmetic which includes the amphiphilic alginic acid         particles of any of 1 to 9 above.     -   11. A paint which includes the amphiphilic alginic acid         particles of any of 1 to 9 above.     -   12. A resin composition which includes the amphiphilic alginic         acid particles of any of 1 to 9 above.     -   13. A molded or formed article which includes the amphiphilic         alginic acid particles of any of 1 to 9 above.     -   14. An electronic material which includes the amphiphilic         alginic acid particles of any of 1 to 9 above.     -   15. A sheet which includes the amphiphilic alginic acid         particles of any of 1 to 9 above.     -   16. A method for producing amphiphilic alginic acid particles,         which method includes the step of using a hydrophobizing agent         to subject polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid-containing         alginic acid particles to hydrophobizing treatment in a state         where the hydrophobizing agent is not allowed to completely         dissolve.     -   17. A method for producing amphiphilic alginic acid particles,         which method includes the steps of spray-drying a solution         containing a monovalent salt of alginic acid and an incompletely         dissolved hydrophobizing agent to obtain particles, and then         subjecting the particles to crosslinking treatment and at the         same time hydrophobizing treatment using a polyvalent metal         salt.     -   18. A method for producing amphiphilic alginic acid particles,         which method includes the steps of forming a water         droplet-in-oil emulsion which contains a monovalent salt of         alginic acid and an incompletely dissolved hydrophobizing agent         in the water droplets, and then carrying out crosslinking         treatment using a polyvalent metal salt and at the same time         carrying out hydrophobizing treatment with the hydrophobizing         agent in an incompletely dissolved state.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention, because they contain little foreign matter such as agglomerates and can be stably and efficiently produced, because they can be controlled to a small size and to a flattened or other shape, and also because crosslinkable particles having heat resistance and (hot) chemical resistance too can be stably produced, are capable of being employed in various applications. Moreover, given that the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention are environmentally friendly particles which have a certain degree of water repellency and an excellent tactile feel, and in particular are natural polymer-derived particles that are useful for controlling marine pollution, they can be effectively employed in applications such as paints, inks, moldings, cosmetics and fired and porosified molded products for which, depending on the intended use, environmental measures are required.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a SEM micrograph (2,000×) of the particles obtained in Example 1-1.

FIG. 2 shows a SEM micrograph (1,000×) of the particles obtained in Example 1-2.

FIG. 3 shows a SEM micrograph (2,000×) of the particles obtained in Example 1-3.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [Amphiphilic Alginic Acid Particles]

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention are obtained by subjecting hydrophilic polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid particles to hydrophobizing treatment.

In general, when a solid surface is easily wetted by water, the solid is hydrophilic; conversely, when the solid repels water, it is hydrophobic. Hydrophilic polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid particles have a contact angle of 100 or less, which is a region referred to as ultra-hydrophilic. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention have a contact angle 30 seconds after a water droplet is placed on the particles of at least 300 and not more than 150°. Here, “amphiphilic” means that the particles have both hydrophilic moieties (or hydrophilic groups) and hydrophobic moieties (or hydrophobic groups). Hence, depending on the degree of hydrophobization, particles that are more hydrophilic have a contact angle of 900 or less and particles that are more hydrophobic have a contact angle greater than 90°.

Examples of the polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid include, but are not particularly limited to, calcium alginate, strontium alginate, magnesium alginate, barium alginate, radium alginate, lead alginate, zinc alginate, nickel alginate, iron alginate, copper alginate, cadmium alginate, cobalt alginate and manganese alginate. Of these, from the standpoint of, for example, environmental concerns, safety, adjustment in the degree of crosslinking, versatility, cost and the like, calcium alginate is preferred.

The compound used in hydrophobizing treatment (which compound is also referred to below as the “hydrophobizing agent”) is exemplified by carboxylic acids, carboxylic acid salts, amino acid derivatives, amino acid derivative salts, organosilicon compounds, silicone compounds, fluorine compounds, sulfate esters, sulfate ester salts, sulfonic acids, sulfonic acid salts, phosphate esters, phosphate ester salts, lactic acid esters, and lactic acid ester salts. When designing the hydrophobizing agent so as to, out of environmental considerations, fully satisfy the conditions of solubility in water and salt water and also degradability by microorganisms in the environment, one having a molecular weight of 5,000 or less is preferred, one having a molecular weight of from 50 to 1,000 is more preferred, one having a molecular weight of from 100 to 600 is even more preferred, and one having a molecular weight of from 200 to 500 is most preferred. In this invention, the molecular weight of a polymer refers to the number-average molecular weight (Mn), this being the polystyrene-equivalent value measured by gel permeation chromatography. For compounds other than polymers, the molecular weight refers to the chemical formula weight.

Of the above, the hydrophobizing agent is preferably a salt compound. Preferred salt compounds include carboxylic acid salts, sulfate ester salts, sulfonic acid salts and sulfate ester salts. Many of these have low molecular weights and are readily decomposed by microorganisms in the environment. In particular, it is desirable for the cations of these salts to be metal ions.

The metal ions are exemplified by various types of metal ions, including lithium, potassium, calcium, sodium, magnesium, aluminum, zinc, iron, nickel, tin, lead, copper, cobalt, manganese, strontium, barium, cadmium, mercury, silver, platinum and gold ions. Of these, from environmental, biological safety, versatility, cost and other standpoints, calcium, sodium, magnesium and potassium ions are preferred. In particular, monovalent metal ions for which the salt compounds readily become hydrophilic are preferred, with potassium ions and sodium ions being preferred. Sodium ions, which are versatile metal ions, are excellent as well from other subsequently described standpoints.

These hydrophobizing agents are water-soluble or hydrophilic by themselves, but become hydrophobic by way of chemical bonding with some of the polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid. A major characteristic of this structure is that the solubility and biodegradability in seawater can be regulated while maintaining hydrophobicity. Here, the chemical bonds are preferably intramolecular bonds, and more preferably ionic bonds.

Hydrophobizing treatment is described in detail later in the Specification.

The carboxylic acid is preferably one having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably one having from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and most preferably one having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. The carboxylic acid may be a monocarboxylic acid or a polycarboxylic acid.

Examples of monocarboxylic acids include caproic acid, enanthic acid, caprylic acid, octanoic acid, pelargonic acid, capric acid, undecylenic acid, lauric acid, myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, margaric acid, stearic acid, isostearic acid, oleic acid, vaccenic acid, ricinolic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, eleostearic acid, oxystearic acid, arachidic acid, mead acid, arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, behenic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, lignoceric acid, nervonic acid, cerotic acid, montanic acid, melissic acid, coconut oil fatty acid and palm oil fatty acid.

Examples of polycarboxylic acids include octanedioic acid, nonanedioic acid, decanedioic acid, undecanedioic acid, dodecanedioic acid, tridecanedioic acid, tetradecanedioic acid, pentadecanedioic acid, hexadecanedioic acid, heptadecanedioic acid, octadecanedioic acid, nonadecanedioic acid and eicosanedioic acid. Isomers of these having a branched structure and polycarboxylic acids with a functionality of three or more may also be used.

The carboxylic acid salt is preferably one having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably one having from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and even more preferably one having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. The carboxylic acid salt may be a monocarboxylic acid salt or may be a polycarboxylic acid salt.

Examples of monocarboxylic acid salts include caprylic acid salts such as potassium caprylate, sodium caprylate and zinc caprylate; octanoic acid salts such as potassium octanoate, sodium octanoate and zinc octanoate; pelargonic acid salts such as potassium pelargonate and sodium pelargonate; capric acid salts such as potassium caprate and sodium caprate; undecylenic acid salts such as potassium undecylenate and sodium undecylenate; lauric acid salts such as potassium laurate, sodium laurate, calcium laurate, barium laurate and zinc laurate; myristic acid salts such as potassium myristate, sodium myristate, zinc myristate and magnesium myristate; pentadecanoic acid salts such as potassium pentadecanoate and sodium pentadecanoate; palmitic acid salts such as potassium palmitate, sodium palmitate and calcium palmitate; margaric acid salts such as potassium margarate and sodium margarate; stearic acid salts such as lithium stearate, sodium stearate, magnesium stearate, calcium stearate, barium stearate, zinc stearate and aluminum stearate; isostearic acid salts such as potassium isostearate and sodium isostearate; oleic acid salts such as potassium oleate and sodium oleate; ricinolic acid salts such as calcium ricinolate, barium ricinolate and zinc ricinolate; linoleic acid salts such as potassium linoleate, sodium linoleate and calcium linoleate; linolenic acid salts such as potassium linolenate and sodium linolenate; arachidonic acid salts such as potassium arachidonate and sodium arachidonate; behenic acid salts such as potassium behenate, sodium behenate and calcium behenate; docosahexaenoic acid salts such as sodium docosahexanoate; coconut fatty acid salts such as potassium cocoate and sodium cocoate; palm oil fatty acid salts such as the calcium salt of palm oil fatty acid; and isopropyltitanium triisostearate. Of these, stearic acid salts and myristic acid salts are preferred.

Examples of polycarboxylic acid salts include the following dicarboxylic acid salts: octanedioic acid salts such as disodium octanedioate and dipotassium octanedioate; nonanedioic acid salts such as disodium nonanedioate and dipotassium nonanedioate; decanedioic acid salts such as disodium decanedioate and dipotassium decanedioate; undecanedioic acid salts such as disodium undecanedioate and dipotassium undecanedioate; dodecanedioic acid salts such as disodium dodecanedioate and dipotassium dodecanedioate; tridecanedioic acid salts such as disodium tridecanedioate and dipotassium tridecanedioate; tetradecanedioic acid salts such as disodium tetradecanedioate and dipotassium tetradecanedioate; tetradecanedioic acid salts such as disodium pentadecanedioate and dipotassium pentadecanedioate; hexadecanedioic acid salts such as disodium hexadecanedioate and dipotassium hexadecanedioate; heptadecanedioic acid salts such as disodium heptadecanedioate and dipotassium heptadecanedioate; octadecanedioic acid salts such as disodium octadecanedioate and dipotassium octadecanedioate; nonadecanedioic acid salts such as disodium nonadecanedioate and dipotassium nonadecanedioate; and eicosanedioic acid salts such as disodium eicosanedioate and dipotassium eicosanedioate. Isomers of these having a branched structure and salts of polycarboxylic acids with a functionality of three or more may also be used. When hydrophobizing treatment is carried out with, in particular, a polycarboxylic acid having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms such as those mentioned above, elastic strength and flexibility can be imparted. A polycarboxylic acid salt is preferred, and a dioate structure is more preferred.

The amino acid derivatives are preferably ones having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably ones having from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and even more preferably ones having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of such amino acid derivatives include the following amino acid derivatives: sarcosine derivatives such as lauroyl sarcosine, myristoyl sarcosine, palmitoyl sarcosine and cocoyl sarcosine; glutamic acid derivatives such as lauroyl glutamic acid, myristoyl glutamic acid, palmitoyl glutamic acid, stearoyl glutamic acid, cocoyl acyl glutamic acid, cocoyl glutamic acid, acyl glutamic acid and dilauroyl glutamic acid; glycine derivatives such as lauroyl glycine, myristoyl glycine, palmitoyl glycine, palmitoyl methylglycine, cocoyl acyl glycine and cocoyl glycine; alanine derivatives such as lauroyl methylalanine, myristoyl methylalanine, cocoyl alanine and cocoyl methylalanine; lysine derivatives such as lauroyl lysine, myristoyl lysine, palmitoyl lysine, stearoyl lysine, oleoyl lysine and acylated lysine; aspartic acid derivatives such as lauroyl aspartic acid, myristoyl aspartic acid, palmitoyl aspartic acid and stearoyl aspartic acid; taurine derivatives such as lauroyl taurine, lauroyl methyltaurine, myristoyl taurine, myristoyl methyltaurine, palmitoyl taurine, palmitoyl methyltaurine, stearoyl taurine and stearoyl methyltaurine; and proline derivatives such as lauroyl proline, myristoyl proline and palmitoyl proline.

The salts of amino acid derivatives are preferably ones having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably ones having from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and even more preferably ones having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Examples of such amino acid derivative salts include the following: sarcosine salts such as potassium lauroyl sarcosinate, sodium lauroyl sarcosinate, potassium myristoyl sarcosinate, sodium myristoyl sarcosinate, potassium palmitoyl sarcosinate, sodium palmitoyl sarcosinate, potassium cocoyl sarcosinate and sodium cocoyl sarcosinate; glutamic acid salts such as potassium lauroyl glutamate, sodium lauroyl glutamate, potassium myristoyl glutamate, sodium myristoyl glutamate, sodium palmitoyl glutamate, magnesium palmitoyl glutamate, potassium stearoyl glutamate, sodium stearoyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl acyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl acyl glutamate, potassium cocoyl glutamate, sodium cocoyl glutamate, potassium acyl glutamate, sodium acyl glutamate, sodium dilauroyl glutamate lysine and sodium polyglutamate; glycine salts such as potassium lauroyl glycine, sodium lauroyl glycine, potassium myristoyl glycine, sodium myristoyl glycine, sodium palmitoyl glycine, sodium palmitoyl methylglycine, potassium cocoyl acyl glycine, sodium cocoyl acyl glycine, potassium cocoyl glycine and sodium cocoyl glycine; alanine salts such as potassium lauroyl methylalanine, sodium lauroyl methylalanine, sodium myristoyl methylalanine, sodium cocoyl alanine and sodium cocoyl methylalanine; aspartic acid salts such as potassium lauroyl aspartate, sodium lauroyl aspartate, potassium myristoyl aspartate, sodium myristoyl aspartate, potassium palmitoyl aspartate, sodium palmitoyl aspartate, potassium stearoyl aspartate and sodium stearoyl aspartate; lauroyl taurine salts such as sodium lauroyl taurate and calcium lauroyl taurate; taurine salts such as sodium lauroyl taurate, calcium lauroyl taurate, sodium lauroyl methyltaurate, potassium myristoyl taurate, sodium myristoyl taurate, sodium myristoyl methyl taurate, potassium palmitoyl taurate, sodium palmitoyl taurate, potassium palmitoyl methyltaurate, sodium palmitoyl methyltaurate, potassium stearoyl taurate, sodium stearoyl taurate and sodium stearoyl methyltaurate; and proline salts such as sodium lauroyl proline, sodium myristoyl proline and sodium palmitoyl proline.

The organosilicon compounds are exemplified by alkylated silanes having at least one alkyl group of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, alkylated silazanes having at least one alkyl group of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, trialkoxysilanes having at least one alkoxy group of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, octyltrialkoxysilanes, triethoxycaprylylsilane and 3-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane.

The silicone compounds are exemplified by methylhydrogenpolysiloxane, methylpolysiloxane (methicone), dimethylpolysiloxane (dimethicone), triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, methylphenylpolysiloxane, triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone, cyclic silicones, crosslinked silicones, acrylic-silicone graft polymers, organic silicone resins, partially crosslinked organopolysiloxane polymers, tetramethyltetrahydrogencyclotetrasiloxane, trimethylsiloxysilicic acid, amino-modified silicones, carboxylic acid-modified silicones, fluorinated silicones, silicone gums, acrylic silicones, silicone resins, triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl dimethicone, triethoxysilylethyl polydimethylsiloxyethyl hexyl dimethicone and fluorinated silicones.

Examples of the fluorine compounds include perfluoroalkylphosphate esters, perfluoroalkylsilanes, perfluoroalkylalkoxysilanes, perfluoroalkyl group-containing esters, salts of perfluoroalkylphosphate salts, perfluoropolyethers, fluorosilicones, fluorinated silicone resins, trimethoxy(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane and tridecafluorooctyltriethoxysilane.

Examples of sulfate esters and sulfate ester salts include alkyl sulfate esters, alkyl sulfate ester salts, polyoxyethylene aryl ether sulfate esters, polyoxyethylene aryl ether sulfate ester salts, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate esters, polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts, polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ether sulfate salts, polyoxyethylene castor oil ether sulfate esters and polyoxyethylene castor oil ether sulfate ester salts.

The alkyl sulfate esters and alkyl sulfate ester salts are preferably ones having an alkyl group of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably ones having an alkyl group of from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and even more preferably ones having an alkyl group of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the alkyl sulfate esters and alkyl sulfate ester salts include the following alkyl sulfuric acids and salts thereof. lauryl sulfuric acid, potassium lauryl sulfate, sodium lauryl sulfate, myristyl sulfuric acid, potassium myristyl sulfate, sodium myristyl sulfate, cetyl sulfuric acid, sodium cetyl sulfate, stearyl sulfuric acid, sodium stearyl sulfate, oleyl sulfuric acid and sodium oleyl sulfate; and the following alkylbenzene sulfuric acids and salts thereof: dodecylbenzene sulfuric acid, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfate and potassium dodecylbenzene sulfate.

The polyoxyethylene aryl ether sulfate esters and polyoxyethylene aryl ether sulfate ester salts are preferably ones having a hydrophilic-lipophilic balance (HLB) of 11 or less, and more preferably ones having an HLB of 6 or less. Examples include polyoxyethylene polycyclic phenyl ether sulfate esters and polyoxyethylene polycyclic phenyl ether sulfate ester salts such as sodium polyoxyethylene polycyclic phenyl ether sulfate esters; and also polyoxyethylene aryl ether sulfate esters and sodium polyoxyethylene aryl ether sulfate esters.

The polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate esters and polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts are preferably ones having an HLB of 6 or less, examples of which include polyoxyethylene alkyl ether sulfate esters, sodium polyoxyethylene lauryl ether sulfate, sodium polyoxyethylene myristyl ether sulfate, sodium polyoxyethylene cetyl ether sulfate, sodium polyoxyethylene stearyl ether sulfate and sodium polyoxyethylene oleyl ether sulfate.

The polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether sulfate ester salts are preferably ones having an HLB of 11 or less, and more preferably ones having an HLB of 6 or less. Examples include sulfate ester sodium salts of polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers, sulfate ester sodium salts of polyoxyethylene-polyoxybutylene block copolymers and sulfate ester sodium salts of alkyl ethers of polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene block copolymers. The polyoxyalkylene alkenyl ether sulfate salts are preferably ones having an HLB of 11 or less, and more preferably ones having an HLB of 6 or less. Examples include sulfate ester sodium salts of alkenyl ethers of polyoxyethylene-polyoxyalkylene block copolymers. The polyoxyethylene castor oil ether sulfate esters and polyoxyethylene castor oil ether sulfate ester salts are preferably ones having an HLB of 11 or less, and more preferably ones having an HLB of 6 or less. Examples include polyoxyethylene castor oil ether sulfate esters and sodium polyoxyethylene castor oil ether sulfate esters.

The sulfonic acids and sulfonic acid salts are preferably ones having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably ones having from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and even more preferably ones having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. The sulfonic acids and sulfonic acid salts may be monosulfonic acids and salts thereof or may be disulfonic acids and salts thereof. Specific examples of the sulfonic acids and sulfonic acid salts include alkyl sulfonic acids and alkyl sulfonic acid salts, such as lauryl sulfonic acid, sodium lauryl sulfonate, myristyl sulfonic acid, sodium myristyl sulfonate, cetyl sulfonic acid, sodium cetyl sulfonate, stearyl sulfonic acid, sodium stearyl sulfonate, oleyl sulfonic acid and sodium oleyl sulfonate; dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid and dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid salts, such as dodecylbenzene sulfonic acid, sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate and calcium dodecylbenzene sulfonate; alkylene disulfonic acids and alkylene disulfonic acid salts, such as alkylene disulfonic acids and sodium alkylene disulfonates; dialkyl succinate sulfonic acids and dialkyl succinate sulfonic acid salts, such as dialkyl succinate sulfonic acids and sodium dialkyl succinate sulfonates; monoalkyl succinate sulfonic acids and monoalkyl succinate sulfonic acid salts, such as monoalkyl succinate sulfonic acids and disodium monoalkyl succinate sulfonates; naphthalene sulfonic acid formalin condensates and naphthalene sulfonic acid formalin condensate salts, such as naphthalene sulfonic acid formalin condensates and sodium salts of naphthalene sulfonic acid formalin condensates; olefin sulfonic acid salts such as sodium olefin sulfonate; isethionic acids such as lauroyl isethionic acid, myristoyl isethionic acid, palmitoyl isethionic acid and stearoyl isethionic acid; isethionic acid salts such as potassium lauroyl isethionate, sodium lauroyl isethionate, sodium myristoyl isethionate, sodium palmitoyl isethionate and sodium stearoyl isethionate; and sulfosuccinic acids and sulfosuccinic acid salts, such as sodium dihexyl sulfosuccinate, sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate, sodium didecyl sulfosuccinate and sodium diisobutyl sulfosuccinate.

The phosphate esters and phosphate ester salts are exemplified by polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether phosphate esters, alkyl phosphate esters and alkyl phosphate ester salts. The polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether phosphate esters are preferably ones having an HLB of 6 or less, examples of which include polyoxyethylene (2) stearyl ether phosphate esters.

The alkyl phosphate esters and alkyl phosphate ester salts are preferably ones having an alkyl group of from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably ones having an alkyl group of from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and even more preferably ones having an alkyl group of from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Specific examples of the alkyl phosphate esters and alkyl phosphate ester salts include octyl phosphoric acid and octyl phosphate salts, such as octyl phosphoric acid and potassium octyl phosphate; nonyl phosphoric acid and nonyl phosphate salts, such as nonyl phosphoric acid and potassium nonyl phosphate; decyl phosphoric acid and decyl phosphate salts, such as decyl phosphoric acid and potassium decyl phosphate; undecyl phosphoric acid and undecyl phosphate salts, such as undecyl phosphoric acid and potassium undecyl phosphate; lauryl phosphoric acid and lauryl phosphate salts, such as lauryl phosphoric acid and potassium lauryl phosphate; myristyl phosphoric acid and myristyl phosphate salts, such as myristyl phosphoric acid and potassium myristyl phosphate; cetyl phosphoric acid and cetyl phosphate salts, such as cetyl phosphoric acid, potassium cetyl phosphate, sodium cetyl phosphate, calcium cetyl phosphate and zinc cetyl phosphate; and stearyl phosphoric acid and stearyl phosphate salts, such as stearyl phosphoric acid and potassium stearyl phosphate.

The lactic acid esters and lactate ester salts are preferably ones having from 6 to 30 carbon atoms, more preferably ones having from 8 to 25 carbon atoms, and even more preferably ones having from 10 to 20 carbon atoms. Specific examples include lauryl lactate, myristyl lactate, cetyl lactate, oleyl lactate, octyldodecyl lactate, sodium stearoyl lactate, calcium stearoyl lactate, sodium isostearoyl lactate and sodium lauroyl lactate.

In addition to the above-mentioned compounds, any of the following may be used as hydrophobizing agents: oils, acrylic compounds, acrylic resins, titanium coupling agents, inorganic compounds, metal oxides and solid lubricants that are used as additives in cosmetics, and also known surfactants, etc.

Examples of the oils include petrolatum, liquid paraffins, squalane, paraffin wax, linseed oil, cottonseed oil, coconut oil, castor oil, egg oil, lanolin fatty acids, propylene glycol dicaprate, glyceryl trioctanoate, cetyl 2-ethylhexanoate, isocetyl stearate, stearyl alcohol, cetyl alcohol, oleyl alcohol, beef tallow, beeswax, spermaceti, Japan wax, lanolin, carnauba wax and candelilla wax.

Examples of the acrylic compounds include alkyl (meth)acrylates. Examples of the acrylic resins include copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and styrene compounds, as well as salts thereof, copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and (meth)acrylate ester compounds, as well as salts thereof; copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and vinyl ester compounds, as well as salts thereof, copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and olefin compounds, as well as salts thereof, and copolymers of (meth)acrylic acid and conjugated diene compounds, as well as salts thereof.

Examples of the titanium coupling agents include alkyl titanates, pyrophosphoric acid titanates, phosphonic acid titanates and amino acid titanates.

An example of the inorganic compounds is alumina. An example of the metal oxides is titanium oxide.

Examples of the solid lubricants include polyolefin waxes (e.g., polyethylene wax), paraffin waxes (e.g., synthetic paraffins, natural paraffins), fluoropolymer waxes (e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene), fatty amide compounds (e.g., stearamide, palmitamide), metal sulfides (e.g., molybdenum disulfide, tungsten disulfide), graphite, graphite fluoride, boron nitride, polyalkylene glycols and alkali metal sulfates.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention have an average particle size which is preferably 5 mm or less, and more preferably, in order of increasing preference: 1 mm or less, 500 μm or less, 100 μm or less, 60 μm or less, 30 μm or less, 15 μm or less, or 10 μm or less. The lower limit is preferably 0.1 μm, more preferably 0.5 μm, and even more preferably 1.0 μm. In this invention, the average particle size refers to the volume mean particle diameter (MV) obtained by the laser diffraction scattering method.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention have a shape which, although not particularly limited, may be physically or chemically shape-controlled, or may be a physically pulverized shape, such as a spherical, approximately spherical, flattened or recessed shape. From the standpoint of the feel, slip characteristics and control of the particle size distribution, particles that are physically or chemically shape-controlled, such as spherical, approximately spherical, flattened or recessed particles, are preferred. Particles with irregular shapes that are formed of curves without sharp edges, such as approximately spherical, flattened or recessed shapes, have good optical properties and therefore are more preferred.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention have a water absorption per 100 g of particles (A_(w), mL/100 g) and an oil absorption per 100 g of particles (A_(o), mL/100 g) such that the water absorption is equal to or greater than the oil absorption ((A_(w)/A_(o)) ≥1). By satisfying this relationship, during use the particles maintain a fresh water-insoluble state while exhibiting hydrophobic effects, but gradually dissolve in seawater (salt water), becoming more easily decomposable by microorganisms. To readily achieve this effect, A_(w) and A_(o) more preferably satisfy the condition A_(w)/A_(o) ≥1, even more preferably satisfy the condition A_(w)/A_(o)≥1.05, still more preferably satisfy the condition A_(w)/A_(o) ≥1.10, and most preferably satisfy the condition A_(w)/A_(o) ≥1.15. Also, taking into account the practical hydrophobic effects in industry and environmental considerations such as dissolution in seawater and the period of biodegradability, these particles preferably satisfy the condition A_(w)/A_(o) 20, even more preferably satisfy the condition A_(w)/A_(o) K 10, and still more preferably satisfy the condition A_(w)/A_(o)≤5.

Water absorption by the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention is preferably 200 mL/100 g or less, more preferably 160 mL/100 g or less, even more preferably 150 mL/100 g or less, and most preferably 130 mL/100 g or less. At a water absorption of 200 mL/100 g or less, owing to the dimensional stability provided by the crosslinking effect and to the hydrophobizing agent-induced initial water-repelling effect that is a characteristic of this invention, the particles can be used in the same way as, and are by no means inferior to, existing general-purpose polymer particles made of acrylic or nylon. To readily achieve this effect, the lower limit in the water absorption is preferably at least 30 mL/100 g, more preferably at least 60 mL/100 g, and even more preferably at least 80 mL/100 g.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention have an oil absorption of preferably at least 10 mL/100 g, more preferably at least 20 mL/100 g, and even more preferably at least 30 mL/100 g. At an oil absorption of at least 10 mL/100 g, in cosmetic applications, the improved affinity with oils due to the effects of the inventive hydrophobizing agent results in a higher dispersibility and also better emulsion or cream stability. To readily achieve these effects, the upper limit in the oil absorption is preferably not more than 150 mL/100 g, more preferably not more than 125 mL/100, even more preferably not more than 100 mL/100 g, and most preferably not more than 80 mL/100 g.

The water absorption and oil absorption can be modified by adjusting the type, amount and the like of the subsequently described hydrophobizing agent. In this invention, the oil absorption is a value measured in accordance with the boiled linseed oil method described in JIS K 5101. The water absorption is a value obtained as follows. One gram of the particles is placed in a 500 mL beaker, following which 200 mL of deionized water is added and stirring is carried out for 30 minutes. The beaker contents are then transferred to a 500 mL centrifuge tube and centrifugation is carried out using a centrifuge. Following centrifugation, the supernatant is gently discarded, the sample is removed from the centrifuge tube and the weight (W_(w)) is measured. The sample is then dried to a constant weight in a 105° C. drying oven and the dry weight (D_(w)) is measured. The water absorption is calculated from the following formula.

Water absorption (mL/100 g)=((W_(w)−D_(w))/D_(w))×100

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention have a contact angle when a droplet of water is placed on the particles that is at least 300 and not more than 150°. At a contact angle in this range, a suitable hydrophobizing effect and solubility and degradability in the environment are fully exhibited. To readily obtain these effects, the contact angle has a lower limit that is preferably at least 40°, more preferably at least 50°, and even more preferably at least 60°. The contact angle has an upper limit that is preferably not more than 140°, more preferably not more than 135°, and even more preferably not more than 125°. At more than 150°, the hydrophobic effects are too large and a suitable water absorption cannot be obtained, which may have an adverse effect on biodegradability in the oceans. Also, taking into account the practical hydrophobic effects in industry and environmental considerations such as dissolution in seawater and the period of biodegradability, the contact angle of these particles is preferably from 400 to 140°, more preferably from 500 to 135°, even more preferably from 600 to 125°, and most preferably from 700 to 120°.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention are such that, letting SD1, SD2 and SD3 be the respective percent transmittances to 560 nm wavelength light of a dispersion prepared by dispersing the amphiphilic alginic acid particles in a 3 wt % aqueous solution of sodium chloride to a concentration of 0.1 wt % when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720 hours have elapsed following preparation, and letting WD1, WD2 and WD3 be the respective percent transmittances to 560 nm wavelength light of a dispersion prepared by dispersing the amphiphilic alginic acid particles in water to a concentration of 0.1 wt % when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720 hours have elapsed following preparation, at least one of the ratios WD1/SD1, WD2/SD2 and WD3/SD3 is preferably 0.9 or less, more preferably 0.8 or less, and even more preferably 0.5 or less. At 0.9 or less, the shapes of the alginic acid particles change and an increase in clarity as the particles dissolve can be confirmed. The lower limit for WD1/SD1, WD2/SD2 and WD3/SD3, although not particularly limited, is generally about 0.1.

In cases where a dissolution effect cannot be confirmed after about 720 hours, due to concerns over environmental pollution in the oceans (marine pollution), the adsorption of chemical substances and adverse effects on the ecosystem, long-term particle shape retention in excess of this is sometimes undesirable. Hence, from the standpoint of the environmental impact, it is preferable for WD3/SD3≤0.9, more preferable for WD2/SD2≤0.9, and still more preferable for WD1/SD1 0.9.

Methods of Producing Amphiphilic Alginic Acid Particles

Examples of methods for producing the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention include the following.

-   -   (1) A method which includes the step of using a hydrophobizing         agent to hydrophobically treat, in a state where the         hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved, alginic acid         particles containing a polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid         (Method 1).     -   (2) A method which includes the steps of spray-drying a solution         containing a monovalent salt of alginic acid and a         hydrophobizing agent that is not completely dissolved to obtain         particles, and then carrying out crosslinking treatment on the         particles using a polyvalent metal salt and at the same time         carrying out hydrophobizing treatment (Method 2).     -   (3) A method which includes the step of forming a water         droplet-in-oil (W/O) emulsion containing in the water droplets a         monovalent salt of alginic acid and a hydrophobizing agent that         is not completely dissolved, and the step of carrying out         crosslinking treatment using a polyvalent metal salt and at the         same time carrying out hydrophobizing treatment in a state where         the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved (Method 3).

Method 1 includes the step of using a hydrophobizing agent to hydrophobically treat, in a state where the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved, alginic acid particles containing a polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid. The alginic acid particles can be produced by a known method. For example, as described in JP-A H05-222208, the particles can be produced by spray-drying a solution of a dissolved monovalent salt of alginic acid to form particles, and then carrying out crosslinking treatment using a polyvalent metal salt. The monovalent salt of alginic acid and the polyvalent metal salt are subsequently described.

The alginic acid particles can be produced by forming a W/O emulsion that contains a monovalent salt of alginic acid in water, and then subjecting the emulsion to crosslinking treatment using a polyvalent metal salt. An example of a method of forming the W/O emulsion involves first preparing Solution A of a monovalent salt of alginic acid dissolved in water or a mixed solvent of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent. If necessary, heating may be carried out at this time. Next, Solution A and a hydrophobic organic solvent are mixed together, and are then emulsified using an agitator, homogenizer or the like. At the time of mixture, Solution A may be added to the hydrophobic organic solvent, or the hydrophobic organic solvent may be added to Solution A.

To control the particle size of the water droplets in the W/O emulsion, a Solution B of a surfactant or a polymer stabilizer dissolved in the hydrophobic organic solvent may be used at this time in place of the hydrophobic organic solvent. In this case, Solution A and Solution B are mixed together, and then emulsified using an agitator, homogenizer or the like. At the time of mixture, Solution A may be added to Solution B, or Solution B may be added to Solution A.

Another example of a method of forming the W/O emulsion is to charge a container all at once with a monovalent salt of alginic acid, water, surfactant, hydrophobic organic solvent and other necessary ingredients, and then carry out emulsification using an agitator, homogenizer or the like.

Crosslinking treatment may be carried out by adding a polyvalent metal salt-containing solution to the W/O emulsion and stirring. Alternatively, it may be carried out by adding the W/O emulsion to a polyvalent metal salt-containing solution and stirring. Use can be made of the same polyvalent metal salt-containing solution as that described subsequently in the explanation of Method 2.

If necessary, crosslinking treatment may be carried out under heating. Heating may be carried out when adding the polyvalent metal salt-containing solution to the dispersion, may be carried out during stirring following such addition, or may be carried out at both of these times. The heating temperature is preferably between 10° C. and 100° C., and more preferably between 15° C. and 80° C. The treatment time is preferably from 0.5 to 24 hours, and more preferably from 1 to 12 hours.

After crosslinking treatment, if necessary, washing and drying of the particles may be carried out to give the alginic acid particles. Washing may be carried out by an ordinary method, such as that of removing the solvent following crosslinking treatment, adding water and centrifuging. Drying may be carried out by an ordinary method, such as spray drying, vacuum drying or freeze drying.

It is also possible to use a commercial product as the alginic acid particles. Examples include Flavikafine® (from Nisshinbo Chemical Inc.) and the calcium alginate CA series from Kimika Corporation.

The method of hydrophobically treating the alginic acid particles is exemplified by a method in which the hydrophobizing agent is added to a solvent and adjusted to a state where the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved in the solvent, following which the alginic acid particles are placed in the solution and dispersed, thereby causing the hydrophobizing agent to deposit on the surface of the particles or both on the surface and at the interior of the particles. The state in which the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved in the solvent can be adjusted by suitably selecting the solvent or by heating or cooling the solvent after the hydrophobizing agent has been added to it. At this time, where necessary, deposition can be efficiently brought about by additionally carrying out heating or concentration. In cases where heating is carried out, although there is a need to exercise caution with the degree of dissolution of the hydrophobizing agent, the temperature is preferably between 10° C. and 100° C., and more preferably between 30° C. and 80° C. Concentration may be carried out by, for example, heating the reaction system and removing the solvent that evaporates. The hydrophobizing treatment time is preferably from 0.5 to 24 hours, and more preferably from 1 to 12 hours.

Here, “a state where the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved in the solvent” refers to a state in which portions where the hydrophobizing agent is dissolved in the solvent and portions where it is dispersed are both present. In other words, this is a state which has at least both emulsified portions and dissolved portions. When in this state, the liquid has an appearance which may be translucent or faintly white. When the hydrophobizing agent is rendered into a completely emulsified state, it is stably present and deposits as fine particles, and so the resulting alginic acid particles have a high water absorbency and there is a possibility that a contact angle indicative of hydrophobization cannot be maintained. On the other hand, when the hydrophobizing agent is rendered into a complete dissolved state, a contact angle indicative of hydrophobization can be fully maintained, but the water absorbency tends to decrease and amphiphilicity sometimes cannot be maintained.

A state where the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved can be determined based on the total light transmittance of a solution placed in a cell having a cell thickness of 1 cm, as measured using the haze meter described in JIS K 7136 ad 7361. In this case, the state where the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved is a state where the total light transmittance is preferably from 35 to 85%, more preferably from 40 to 80%, and even more preferably from 45 to 75%.

The solvent may be suitably selected from among those solvents which are able to disperse the alginic acid particles and which, when a hydrophobizing agent is added, assume a state where the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved in the solvent. Also, in cases where, following addition of the hydrophobizing agent, the solubility is adjusted by heating or cooling, thereby adjusting the liquid to a state where the hydrophobizing agent is not completely dissolved in the solvent, a solvent capable of dispersing the hydrophobizing agent may be suitably selected. Examples of such solvents include water; alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, isopentyl alcohol, tert-pentyl alcohol, 1-hexanol, 2-methyl-1-pentanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, 2-ethylbutanol, 1-heptanol, 2-heptanol, 3-heptanol, 2-octanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, benzyl alcohol and cyclohexanol; ether alcohols such as methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, isopropyl cellosolve, butyl cellosolve and diethylene glycol monobutyl ether; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and cyclohexanone; esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl propionate and cellosolve acetate; aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, 2-methylbutane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, 2-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, heptane, n-octane, isooctane, 2,2,3-trimethylpentane, decane, nonane, cyclopentane, methylcyclopentane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, p-menthane, dicyclohexyl, benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, chlorobenzene and tetrabromoethane; ethers such as diethyl ether, dimethyl ether, trioxane and tetrahydrofuran; acetals such as methylal and diethylacetal; carboxylic acids such as formic acid, acetic acid and propionic acid; sulfur or nitrogen-containing organic compounds such as nitropropene, nitrobenzene, dimethylamine, monoethanolamine, pyridine, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and acetonitrile; and ionic liquids. These solvents may be of one type used alone or two or more may be used in admixture.

The hydrophobizing agent used may be one that is mentioned above. When the above-mentioned salt compounds in particular are used as the hydrophobizing agent, this gives rise to ion exchange with at least some of the ion-crosslinked polyvalent metal ions and is accompanied by chemical bonding with the hydrophobizing agent. Monodispersed crosslinked particles of increased hydrophobicity can thus be obtained following treatment, which is desirable. In addition, by carrying out hydrophobization accompanied by chemical bonding, the degree of hydrophilicity can be quantitatively controlled. The above hydrophobizing agent is preferably a carboxylic acid salt, a sulfate ester salt, a sulfonic acid salt or a sulfate ester salt. Carboxylic acid salts and amino acid derivative salts, which are often biomass-derived, are more preferred. In this way, particles that are friendly to the environment can be obtained.

Hydrophobizing treatment is carried out such that the weight ratio between the alginic acid particles and the hydrophobizing agent in the solvent, expressed as “alginic acid particles: hydrophobizing agent,” is preferably from 99.9:0.1 to 70:30, more preferably from 99.5:0.5 to 80:20, even more preferably from 99:1 to 85:15, and still more preferably from 98:2 to 90:10.

Following hydrophobization, if necessary, the particles are washed and dried, thereby obtaining amphiphilic alginic acid particles. Washing may be carried out by an ordinary method, such as that of, for example, removing the solvent following hydrophobization, adding water and centrifuging. Drying may be carried out by an ordinary method such as spray drying, vacuum drying or freeze drying.

Method 2 includes the steps of spray-drying a solution containing a monovalent salt of alginic acid and a hydrophobizing agent that is not completely dissolved to obtain particles, and then carrying out crosslinking treatment on the particles using a polyvalent metal salt and at the same time carrying out hydrophobizing treatment

The monovalent salt of alginic acid may be an inorganic salt or an organic salt. Examples include sodium alginate, potassium alginate and ammonium alginate. The monovalent salt of alginic acid has a viscosity as a 1 wt % or 10 wt % aqueous solution that is preferably from 0.01 to 2,000 mPa s, more preferably from 0.1 to 1,000 mPa s, and most preferably from 1.0 to 500 mPa s. From the standpoint of productivity, it is more preferable for the viscosity of a 10 wt % aqueous solution to satisfy the above range. The viscosity is a value measured at 20° C. with a BL-type Brookfield viscometer.

The solvent used in the solution containing a monovalent salt of alginic acid and a hydrophobizing agent is preferably water or a mixed solvent of water with a hydrophilic organic solvent. The water may be, for example, tap water, deionized water or distilled water. Examples of hydrophilic organic solvents include methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol, 2-propanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, propyl cellosolve, diethylene glycol monobutyl ether, methyl cellosolve acetate, ethyl cellosolve acetate, methyl carbitol, ethyl carbitol, butyl carbitol, ethyl carbitol acetate, formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, acetone, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, dimethylsulfoxide, trioxane, tetrahydrofuran, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, dimethylamine, monoethanolamine, pyridine and acetonitrile. These may be of one type used alone or two or more may be used in admixture. Of these, water or a mixed solvent of water and a lower alcohol of 1 to 3 carbons is preferred.

If necessary, a hydrophobic organic solvent may also be added to the above solvent. Examples of the hydrophobic organic solvent include higher alcohols such as 1-butanol, 2-butanol, isobutyl alcohol, tert-butyl alcohol, 1-pentanol, 2-pentanol, 3-pentanol, 2-methyl-1-butanol, isopentyl alcohol, tert-pentyl alcohol, 1-hexanol, 2-methyl-1-pentanol, 4-methyl-2-pentanol, 2-ethylbutanol, 1-heptanol, 2-heptanol, 3-heptanol, 2-octanol, 2-ethyl-1-hexanol, benzyl alcohol and cyclohexanol; ether alcohols such as butyl cellosolve; ketones such as methyl ethyl ketone, methyl isobutyl ketone and cyclohexanone; esters such as ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, ethyl propionate and cellosolve acetate; aliphatic or aromatic hydrocarbons such as pentane, 2-methylbutane, n-hexane, cyclohexane, 2-methylpentane, 2,2-dimethylbutane, 2,3-dimethylbutane, heptane, n-octane, isooctane, 2,2,3-trimethylpentane, decane, nonane, cyclopentane, methylcyclopentane, methylcyclohexane, ethylcyclohexane, p-menthane, dicyclohexyl, benzene, toluene, xylene and ethylbenzene; halogenated hydrocarbons such as carbon tetrachloride, trichloroethylene, chlorobenzene and tetrabromoethane; ethers such as diethyl ether and dimethyl ether; acetals such as methylal and diethyl acetal; the following cyclic, linear or branched silicone oils and copolymers thereof: dimethylpolysiloxanes such as hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane (D3), octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4), decamethylcyclopentasiloxane (D5), dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane (D6), tetradecamethylcycloheptasiloxane (D7), hexamethyldisiloxane, octamethyltrisiloxane and decamethyltetrasiloxane, and also methyl trimethicone, methyl phenyl polysiloxane, diphenyl polysiloxane, diphenyl siloxyphenyl trimethicone, trimethyl siloxyphenyl dimethicone, caprylyl methicone and cetyl dimethicone; and sulfur or nitrogen-containing organic compounds such as nitropropene and nitrobenzene.

In this invention, “hydrophilic organic solvent” refers to an organic solvent for which an equal volume mixture with water maintains a uniform appearance. Also, “hydrophobic organic solvent” refers to a solvent for which, after being gently mixed with the same volume of pure water at one atmosphere (1.013×10⁵ Pa) and a temperature of 20° C. and allowed to quiet down, the mixture is unable to maintain a uniform appearance.

The above-described hydrophobizing agents may be used in Method 2, although it is essential to suitably select a hydrophobizing agent which assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the above solvent. For example, carboxylic acid salts, amino acid derivative salts, sulfonic acid salts and sulfate ester salts are preferred. Carboxylic acid salts and amino acid derivative salts, which are often biomass-derived, are more preferred. In this way, particles that are friendly to the environment can be obtained. A hydrophobizing agent which, by heating or cooling the solvent to adjust the solubility, is placed in an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent may be used as the hydrophobizing agent.

Method 2 is characterized by dissolving the alginic acid monovalent salt through at least adjustment of the solvent or temperature adjustment at the time of spray drying, and spray drying with the hydrophobizing agent in an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent.

The mixing ratio of the monovalent salt of alginic acid and the hydrophobizing agent in the solution, expressed as “monovalent salt of alginic acid: hydrophobizing agent,” is preferably from 99.9:0.1 to 70:30, more preferably from 99.5:0.5 to 80: 20, even more preferably from 99:1 to 85:15, and still more preferably from 98:2 to 90:10. At a mixing ratio in this range, sufficient hydrophobicity can be obtained and there is no danger of a drop in the degree of crosslinking.

The solids (monovalent salt of alginic acid and hydrophobizing agent) concentration in the solution is preferably from 1 to 80 wt %, and more preferably from 5 to 50 wt %.

Spray drying may be carried out by a known method. For example, spray drying may be carried out by atomizing the solution in heated air using, for example, an ordinary rotary disk, two-fluid nozzle, jet flow or other type of spray dryer. Spray drying may be carried out at a disk rotational speed of from about 1,000 to about 40,000 rpm. The temperature of the hot air is the temperature required for moisture to evaporate, this being preferably between 60° C. and 250° C. Also, the solution may be sprayed into hot air while being heated.

Next, the particles obtained by spray drying (also referred to below as the “pre-crosslinking particles”) are crosslinked using a polyvalent metal salt. Crosslinking treatment may be carried out by, for example, dispersing the pre-crosslinking particles in a medium, adding a polyvalent metal salt-containing solution to the dispersion, and stirring. Or the dispersion may be added to a polyvalent metal salt-containing solution, and stirring then carried out.

The pre-crosslinking particles are dispersed in a solvent to a concentration of preferably from 1 to 80 wt %, and more preferably from 30 to 60 wt %. The solvent that disperses the particles is preferably a lower alcohol such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol or 2-propanol; an ether alcohol such as methyl cellosolve, ethyl cellosolve, isopropyl cellosolve, butyl cellosolve or diethylene glycol monobutyl ether; or a hydrophilic organic solvent such as acetone, tetrahydrofuran, dimethylformamide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone or acetonitrile. A single solvent such as a lower alcohol or a lower alcohol-containing mixed solvent is especially preferred.

Examples of the polyvalent metal salt include calcium salts, strontium salts, magnesium salts, barium salts, radium salts, lead salts, zinc salts, nickel salts, iron salts, copper salts, cadmium salts, cobalt salts and manganese salts. From the standpoint of environmental considerations, safety and versatility, calcium salts are preferred. Specific examples of such polyvalent metal salts include calcium chloride, calcium sulfate, calcium carbonate, calcium hydroxide and calcium oxide. Calcium chloride is preferred in terms of solubility in water, handleability, cost and the like.

The concentration of the polyvalent metal salt in the polyvalent metal salt-containing solution is preferably from 1 to 40 wt %, and more preferably from 10 to 30 wt %. The solvent in the solution is preferably water; a lower alcohol solvent such as methanol, ethanol, 1-propanol or 2-propanol; or a mixed solvent of these. So long as the salt can be dissolved to a target concentration within a range that does not dissolve the particles, mixed solvents with other organic solvents are also acceptable.

Where necessary, crosslinking treatment may be carried out while heating. Heating may be carried out when the polyvalent metal salt-containing solution is added to the dispersion, may be carried out during stirring following addition, or may be carried out at both of these times. The temperature at this time is preferably between 10° C. and 100° C., and more preferably between 20° C. and 80° C. The treatment time is preferably from 0.5 to 24 hours, and more preferably from 1 to 12 hours. By heating, the solubility of the hydrophobizing agent can be increased; in addition, the viscosity of the solvent decreases, and so the hydrophobizing agent more readily penetrates to the interior of the particles.

Because a monovalent salt of alginic acid and a hydrophobizing agent are included in the pre-crosslinking particles, by carrying out crosslinking treatment, hydrophobization is also carried out at the same time.

After crosslinking treatment, if necessary, washing and drying of the particles may be carried out to obtain the amphiphilic alginic acid particles. Washing may be carried out by an ordinary method such as that of, for example, removing the solvent following hydrophobization, adding water and centrifuging. Drying may be carried out by an ordinary method such as spray drying, vacuum drying or freeze drying.

Method 3 includes the step of forming a W/O emulsion containing in the water droplets a monovalent salt of alginic acid and a hydrophobizing agent that is incompletely dissolved, and the step of carrying out crosslinking treatment using a polyvalent metal salt and at the same time using a hydrophobizing agent to carry out hydrophobizing treatment in a state where the hydrophobizing agent is incompletely dissolved. The monovalent salt of alginic acid is exemplified by the same compounds as mentioned above in the explanation of Method 2. Also, it is essential for the hydrophobizing agent to be one which is present in the aqueous phase when the W/O emulsion is formed. The above-mentioned carboxylic acid salts, amino acid derivative salts, sulfonic acid slats and sulfate ester salts are preferred. Carboxylic acid salts and amino acid derivative salts, which are often biomass-derived, are more preferred. In this way, particles that are friendly to the environment can be obtained.

An example of a method of forming a W/O emulsion is described. First, a monovalent salt of alginic acid is dissolved in water or a mixed solvent of water and a hydrophilic organic solvent, thereby preparing Solution A in a state where the hydrophobizing agent is incompletely dissolved. At this time, if necessary, the target state may be adjusted by temperature adjustment through heating or cooling, for example. Next, Solution A and a hydrophobic organic solvent are mixed together and then emulsified using an agitator, homogenizer or the like. At the time of mixture, Solution A may be added to the hydrophobic organic solvent, or the hydrophobic organic solvent may be added to Solution A.

To control the particle size of the water droplets in the W/O emulsion, a Solution B of a surfactant or a polymer stabilizer dissolved in the hydrophobic organic solvent may be used at this time instead of the hydrophobic organic solvent. In this case, Solution A and Solution B are mixed together and then emulsified using an agitator, homogenizer or the like. At the time of mixture, Solution A may be added to Solution B, or Solution B may be added to Solution A.

Another example of a method of forming the W/O emulsion is to charge a container all at once with the monovalent salt of alginic acid, the hydrophobizing agent, water, a surfactant, a hydrophobic organic solvent and other necessary ingredients, and then carry out emulsification using an agitator, homogenizer or the like.

The mixing ratio of the monovalent salt of alginic acid and the hydrophobizing agent, expressed as “monovalent salt of alginic acid: hydrophobizing agent,” is preferably from 99.9:0.1 to 70:30, more preferably from 99.5:0.5 to 80:20, even more preferably from 99:1 to 85:15, and still more preferably from 98:2 to 90:10. At a mixing ratio in this range, sufficient hydrophobicity can be obtained and there is no danger of a drop in the degree of crosslinking.

When forming the W/O emulsion, heating and cooling operations may be carried out to stabilize the state of the Solution A. By suitable temperature adjustment, the W/O emulsion can be stabilized and a desirable state for the hydrophobizing agent (a state in which the hydrophobizing agent is incompletely dissolved) can be better stabilized, enabling homogenization with the monovalent salt of alginic acid. Although the temperature when forming the W/O emulsion varies also with the hydrophobizing agent ingredients, solvent and the like, it is preferably between 5° C. and 100° C., and more preferably between 15° C. and 80° C.

After the W/O emulsion has been formed, crosslinking treatment is carried out. Crosslinking treatment may be carried out by adding a polyvalent metal salt-containing solution to the W/O emulsion and stirring. Alternatively, crosslinking treatment may be carried out by adding the W/O emulsion to a polyvalent metal salt-containing solution and stirring. The polyvalent metal salt-containing solution used may be the same as that described above in the explanation of Method 2.

If necessary, crosslinking treatment may be carried out under heating. Heating may be carried out when adding the polyvalent metal salt-containing solution to the dispersion, may be carried out during stirring following addition, or may be carried out at both of these times. The heating temperature is preferably between 10° C. and 100° C., and more preferably between 15° C. and 80° C. The treatment time is preferably from 0.5 to 24 hours, and more preferably from 1 to 12 hours. By heating, the solubility of the hydrophobizing agent can be increased; in addition, the viscosity of the solvent decreases, and so the hydrophobizing agent more readily penetrates to the interior of the particles.

Because a monovalent salt of alginic acid and a hydrophobizing agent are included in the aqueous phase of the above W/O emulsion, by carrying out crosslinking treatment, the target hydrophobizing treatment also is carried out at the same time.

After crosslinking treatment, if necessary, washing and drying of the particles may be carried out to obtain the amphiphilic alginic acid particles. Washing may be carried out by an ordinary method such as that of, for example, removing the solvent following crosslinking treatment, adding water and centrifuging. Drying may be carried out by an ordinary method such as spray drying, vacuum drying or freeze drying.

With Method 2 or Method 3, the hydrophobizing agent is deposited not only at the surface but can be made to penetrate to the interior as well, enabling the balance of hydrophilicity and hydrophobicity to be better adjusted.

If necessary, the amphiphilic alginic acid particles thus obtained may be subjected to surface treatment or grinding treatment using known equipment.

[Applications of Amphiphilic Alginic Acid Particles]

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention can be dispersed in water, a hydrophilic organic solvent, a hydrophobic organic solvent or a mixed solvent of these, and used as a dispersion.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention can be used as an additive in liquids, paint films, plastic film, boards, and moldings of paper and the like. For example, they can be widely used in light-scattering agents and optical filter materials, colorants, cosmetics, absorbents, adsorbents, inks, adhesives, electromagnetic shielding materials, fluorescence sensors, biomarkers, recording materials, recording elements, polarizing materials, drug carriers for drug delivery systems (DDS), biosensors, DNA chips, diagnostic agents, fired and porosified molded products and anti-blocking agents.

The blocking of light or ultraviolet rays (UV) from entering a room, vehicle or the like by means of, for example, window glass products or interior goods such as curtains and wall materials serves not only to protect the human body from sunburns and other adverse effects but is useful as well by making it possible to prevent the deterioration of decorative articles, etc. within the room or vehicle.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention are suitable as an additive for cosmetics. The chief ingredient comes from a naturally occurring polymer, enabling the particles to be employed in liquid systems and other applications having a high liquid ingredient content while enhancing, for example, the lightweight properties, tactile feel, flow properties and solution dispersibility. Also, when the particle shape has recesses, the particles possess, on account of their distinctive shape, adhesive forces which differ from those of ordinary spherical particles. As a result, along with enabling improved light scattering properties, etc. to be obtained, the inventive particles are effective for improving the bonding strength of pressed compacts of foundations and the like and also the holding power following application. In addition, the optical properties of the particles make the skin appear lighter and can enhance the covering power due to a shading effect. Also, on account of the slip characteristics distinctive to the particle shape, spread over the skin is excellent, wrinkles and pores can be made inconspicuous by finely filling in furrows in the skin texture, and the flowability of the overall product is freely controllable. The amount of addition, based on the overall product composition, is preferably from 0.1 to 50 wt %, and more preferably from 0.5 to 30 wt %. Light scattering properties such as the UV scattering effect and the shading effect, and flowability, moldability, improvements in adhesion, the finished look and other qualities can be suitably adjusted according to the intended use or purpose. Based on investigations by the inventors, as an additive for cosmetics, addition in an amount of from 1 to 20 wt % is especially preferred. These particles may also be suitably adjusted and used in combination with commercially available particles.

Cosmetics in which the inventive particles provide highly advantageous effects include, in particular, skin care products, hair products, antiperspirants, makeup products, UV protection products and scented products. Specific examples include base cosmetics such as milky emulsions, creams, lotions, calamine lotions, sunscreens, makeup bases, suntan lotions, aftershave lotions, preshave lotions, packs, cleansing materials, facial cleansers, cosmetics for acne, and essences; makeup cosmetics such as foundation, face powder, mascara, eye shadow, eyeliner, eyebrow, cheek, nail color, lip cream and lipstick; and also shampoos, rinses, conditioners, hair colors, hair tonics, setting agents, body powders, hair growth promoters, deodorants, depilatories, soaps, body shampoos, bath preparations, hand soaps and perfumes. The form of the product is not particularly limited and may be, for example, a liquid, emulsion, cream, solid, paste, gel, powder, multi-layer preparation, mousse or spray. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention can be expected to have useful effects as an additive for these cosmetics.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention can be included as an additive in printing inks used in, for example, screen printing, offset printing, process printing, gravure printing, pad printing, coaters and inkjet printing; as an additive in inks used in writing implements such as marking pens, ballpoint pens, fountain pens, calligraphy pens and magic markers; and as an additive in writing materials such as crayons, artist's paints and erasers.

The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention are suitable as an additive for paints and coatings that may be employed in, for example, brush painting, spray painting, electrostatic coating, electrodeposition coating, flow coating, roller coating and dip coating. For instance, they are suitable as additives for paints and coatings that may be used on transportation equipment such as automobiles, railway cars, helicopters, ships, bicycles, snowmobiles, ropeways, lifts, hovercrafts and motorcycles; building members such as window sashes, shutters, cisterns, doors, balconies, outside panels for construction, roofing, staircases, skylights and concrete walls; the exterior walls and interior finish on the inside and outside of buildings; roadway members such as guardrails, pedestrian bridges, sound insulating walls, road signs, highway sidewalls, elevated railroad bridges, and bridges; industrial plant members such as tanks, pipes, towers and smokestacks; agricultural facilities such as PVC and other types of greenhouses, silos and agricultural sheeting; telecommunications facilities such as utility poles, transmission towers and parabolic antennas; electrical equipment such as electrical service boxes, lighting equipment, outdoor air conditioning units, washing machines, refrigerators and electric ranges, as well as covers for these; and other articles such as monuments, gravestones, paving materials, windscreens, waterproof sheeting and curing sheets for construction.

The form of the paint or coating is exemplified by not only solvent-based paints, but also aqueous dispersion paints, nonaqueous dispersion paints, powder paints and electrodeposition coatings, and may be suitably selected as needed.

EXAMPLES

Examples of the invention and Comparative Examples are given below by way of illustration, although the invention is not limited to these Examples. The particle size distributions and volume mean particle sizes (MV) in the Examples and Comparative Examples were measured using the MICROTRACK MT3000 (Nikkiso Co., Ltd.).

[1] Production of Particles [Example 1-1] Production of A1 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged into a 2,000 mL flask and dispersed by one hour of stirring using an agitator.

Spherical calcium alginate beads 194.0 g (Flavikafine ™, from Nisshinbo Chemical Inc.; MV = 20 μm) Deionized water  80.0 g Ethanol 720.0 g Sodium laurate  6.0 g

Next, the dispersion was gradually heated on an oil bath and maintained for 3 hours at a constant temperature of 35° C. at which the sodium laurate assumes an incompletely dissolved in the mixed solvent. The fact that the sodium laurate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the mixed solvent at 35° C. was confirmed by measuring the total light transmittance beforehand (total light transmittance: 74%). The dispersion was then gradually heated on an oil bath and, after 2 hours of heating at 95° C., hydrophobizing treatment was carried out by administering surface treatment while removing the solvent by distillation and concentrating the reaction solution. After cooling, centrifugal washing with deionized water was repeatedly carried out, ultimately arriving at a 10 wt % aqueous dispersion. This dispersion was spray-dried (hot-air temperature, 220° C.) using a spray dryer, giving the target A1 Particles. The A1 Particles were examined under a scanning electron microscope (S-4800, from Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation; referred to below as the “SEM”) and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particle size was substantially the same as before hydrophobizing treatment. In addition, the particle size distribution was checked by particle size distribution measurement and found to be the same as before hydrophobizing treatment, confirming that the particles were monodispersed and free of agglomeration. FIG. 1 shows a SEM micrograph (2,000×) of the A1 Particles.

[Example 1-2] Production of A2 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged into a 5,000 mL heatable vessel and dispersed by one hour of stirring using an agitator.

Sodium alginate   313.6 g (Kimika Algin ULV-L3 from Kimika Corporation; (40 mPa · s; 10 wt % aqueous solution)) Deionized water 4,260.0 g Sodium stearoyl glutamate    6.4 g

The dispersion was then heated to 60° C. and dissolution was carried out over two hours, preparing a 7.0 wt % aqueous solution. Next, the resulting aqueous solution was spray-dried (hot-air temperature, 200° C.) using a spray dryer while carrying out temperature conditioning at 20° C., at which the sodium stearoyl glutamate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent, thereby forming particles. The fact that the sodium stearoyl glutamate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent at 20° C. was confirmed by measuring the total light transmittance beforehand (total light transmittance: 65%). The resulting particles were examined with the SEM and the particles shape checked, whereupon the particles were found to be flattened particles having recesses. The particles were monodispersed particles having, in the particle size distribution, a volume mean diameter (MV) of 7 μm.

Next, 300.0 g of the resulting particles was placed in 300.0 g of ethanol and stirred to give a 50.0 wt % ethanol dispersion, after which the dispersion was added dropwise under stirring to an already prepared 20.0 wt % aqueous solution of calcium chloride and crosslinking treatment was carried out. Following the completion of dropwise addition, stirring was continued at 50° C. for another 2 hours.

After the completion of stirring, centrifugal washing with deionized water was repeatedly carried out, ultimately giving a 10 wt % aqueous dispersion. This dispersion was spray-dried using a spray dryer, giving the target A2 Particles. The A2 Particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particle size was substantially the same as before crosslinking treatment. In addition, the particle size distribution was checked by particle size distribution measurement and found to be the same as before crosslinking treatment, confirming that the particles were monodispersed and free of agglomeration. FIG. 2 shows a SEM micrograph (1,000×) of the A2 Particles.

[Example 1-3] Production of A3 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged into a 5,000 mL heatable vessel and emulsified by 5 minutes of stirring using a homogenizer (IKA T25).

Sodium alginate;   200.0 g (Kimika Algin ULV-L3G from Kimika Corporation (20 mPa · s; 10 wt % aqueous solution)) Deionized water   800.0 g Hexane 1,000.0 g Sorbitan monooleate    5.0 g

A 15.0 wt % aqueous solution of calcium chloride was added dropwise thereto. Following dropwise addition, 2 hours of stirring was carried out at 50° C. After stirring, the solution was cooled, repeatedly subjected to centrifugal washing with ethanol and deionized water, and then vacuum dried, giving particles. The resulting particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particles were found to be spherical particles. As a result of particle size dispersion measurements, these were found to be monodispersed calcium alginate particles having an MV of 10 μm (referred to below as “Calcium Alginate A Particles”).

Next, the ingredients shown below were charged into a 2,000 mL flask and dispersed by one hour of stirring using an agitator.

Calcium Alginate A Particles 142.5 g Deionized water 648.0 g Ethanol  72.0 g Sodium stearate  7.5 g

Next, the dispersion was gradually heated on an oil bath and maintained for 3 hours at a constant temperature of 50° C. at which the sodium stearate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the mixed solvent. The fact that the sodium stearate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the mixed solvent at 50° C. was confirmed by measuring the total light transmittance beforehand (total light transmittance: 58%). The dispersion was then gradually heated on an oil bath and, after 2 hours of heating at 95° C., hydrophobizing treatment was carried out by administering surface treatment while removing the solvent by distillation and concentrating the reaction solution. After cooling, centrifugal washing with deionized water was repeatedly carried out, ultimately arriving at a 10 wt % aqueous dispersion. This dispersion was spray-dried (hot-air temperature, 200° C.) using a spray dryer, giving the target A3 Particles. The A3 Particles were examined under the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particle size was substantially the same as before hydrophobizing treatment. In addition, the particle size distribution was checked by particle size distribution measurement and found to be the same as before hydrophobizing treatment, confirming that the particles were monodispersed and free of agglomeration. FIG. 3 shows a SEM micrograph (2,000×) of the A3 Particles.

[Example 1-4] Production of A4 Particles

A 5,000 mL heatable vessel was charged with 1,725.0 g of deionized water and the temperature was raised to 50° C., following which 148.5 g of sodium alginate (available from Fuji Chemical Industries, Co. under the trade name Snow Algin SSL (40 mPa s; 1 wt % aqueous solution)) and 1.5 g of sodium myristoyl glutamate were added and completely dissolved. An already prepared solution of 12.0 g of sorbitan trioleate dissolved in 1,550.0 g of hexane was added thereto, and emulsification was carried out by 5 minutes of stirring using a homogenizer (IKA T25) while maintaining the temperature.

Next, the emulsion was slowly heated on an oil bath and, while maintaining a constant temperature of 45° C. at which the sodium myristoyl glutamate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent, a 20.0 wt % aqueous solution of calcium chloride was slowly added dropwise. The fact that the sodium myristoyl glutamate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent at 45° C. was confirmed by measuring the total light transmittance beforehand (total light transmittance: 66%). Following the completion of dropwise addition, 2 hours of stirring was carried out at the same temperature, after which the temperature was slowly raised to 65° C. and stirring was carried out for another 2 hours while maintaining the temperature.

Following the completion of stirring, the system was cooled to room temperature and was centrifugally washed repeatedly with ethanol and deionized water, ultimately giving a 10 wt % aqueous dispersion. This dispersion was spray-dried using a spray dryer (hot-air temperature, 200° C.), giving the target A4 Particles. The A4 Particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particles were found to be spherical. Particle size distribution measurements showed these to be monodispersed particles having an MV of 3 μm.

[Example 1-5] Production of A5 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged into a 5,000 mL flask and dissolved by 3 hours of stirring using an agitator.

Potassium alginate   285.0 g (Kimika Algin K-ULV-L3 from Kimika Corporation; (40 mPa · s; 10 wt % aqueous solution)) Deionized water 3,450.0 g Sodium palmitate   15.0 g

The resulting aqueous solution was spray-dried (hot-air temperature, 200° C.) using a spray dryer while temperature conditioning at 20° C. at which the sodium palmitate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the mixed solvent, thereby forming particles. The fact that the sodium palmitate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent at 20° C. was confirmed by measuring the total light transmittance beforehand (total light transmittance: 61%). The resulting particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particles were found to be spherical or approximately spherical particles. The particle size distribution was measured, as a result of which these were found to be monodispersed particles having an MV of 33 μm.

Next, 270.0 g of the resulting particles was placed in 330.0 g of ethanol and stirred to give a 45.0 wt % ethanol dispersion, after which the dispersion was added dropwise under stirring to an already prepared 20.0 wt % aqueous solution of calcium chloride and crosslinking treatment was carried out. Stirring was continued at 50° C. for another 3 hours following the completion of dropwise addition.

After the completion of stirring, centrifugal washing with deionized water was repeatedly carried out, ultimately giving a 15 wt % aqueous dispersion. This dispersion was spray-dried using a spray dryer, giving the target A5 Particles. The A5 Particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particle size was found to be substantially the same as before crosslinking treatment. In addition, the particle size distribution was checked by particle size distribution measurement, whereupon the distribution was the same as before crosslinking treatment, confirming that the particles were monodispersed and free of agglomeration.

[Example 1-6] Production of A6 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged into a 5,000 mL heatable vessel and dissolved using an agitator.

Sodium alginate   368.0 g (Kimika Algin ULV-L3 from Kimika Corporation; (40 mPa · s; 10 wt % aqueous solution)) Deionized water 3,500.0 g Sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate   32.0 g The dispersion was then heated to 60° C. and dissolution was carried out over two hours, preparing a 10.0 wt % aqueous solution. Next, the resulting aqueous solution was spray-dried (hot-air temperature, 200° C.) using a spray dryer while carrying out temperature conditioning at 50° C. at which the sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent, thereby forming particles. The fact that the sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent at 50° C. was confirmed by measuring the total light transmittance beforehand (total light transmittance: 70%). The resulting particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particles were found to be flattened particles having recesses. These were monodispersed particles having an MV of 8 μm.

Next, 300.0 g of the resulting particles was placed in 300.0 g of ethanol and stirred to give a 50.0 wt % ethanol dispersion, after which the dispersion was added dropwise under stirring to an already prepared 20.0 wt % aqueous solution of calcium chloride and crosslinking treatment was carried out. Following the completion of dropwise addition, stirring was continued at 40° C. for another 2 hours.

After the completion of stirring, centrifugal washing with deionized water was repeatedly carried out, ultimately giving a 10 wt % aqueous dispersion. This dispersion was spray-dried using a spray dryer, giving the target A6 Particles. The A6 Particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particle size was substantially the same as before crosslinking treatment. In addition, the particle size distribution was checked by particle size distribution measurement and found to be the same as before crosslinking treatment, confirming that the particles were monodispersed and free of agglomeration.

[Example 1-7] Production of A7 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged into a 5,000 mL heatable vessel and dissolved using an agitator.

Sodium alginate   368.6 g (Kimika Algin ULV-L3 from Kimika Corporation; (40 mPa · s; 10 wt % aqueous solution)) Deionized water 3,078.0 g Ethanol   342.0 g Disodium dodecanedioate   11.4 g

The dispersion was then heated to 60° C. and dissolution was carried out over two hours, preparing a 10 wt % aqueous solution. Next, the resulting aqueous solution was spray-dried (hot-air temperature, 200° C.) using a spray dryer while carrying out temperature conditioning at 45° C. at which the sodium dodecanedioate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent, thereby forming particles. The fact that the sodium dodecanedioate assumes an incompletely dissolved state in the solvent at 45° C. was confirmed by measuring the total light transmittance beforehand (total light transmittance: 68%). The resulting particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particles were found to be flattened particles having recesses. These were monodispersed particles having an MV of 12 μm.

Next, 300.0 g of the resulting particles was placed in 300.0 g of isopropyl alcohol and stirred to give a 50.0 wt % isopropyl alcohol dispersion, after which the dispersion was added dropwise under stirring to an already prepared 20.0 wt % aqueous solution of calcium chloride and crosslinking treatment was carried out. Stirring was continued at 50° C. for another 2 hours following the completion of dropwise addition.

After the completion of stirring, centrifugal washing with deionized water was repeatedly carried out, ultimately giving a 10 wt % aqueous dispersion. This dispersion was spray-dried using a spray dryer, giving the target A7 Particles. The A7 Particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particle size was substantially the same as before crosslinking treatment. In addition, the particle size distribution was checked by particle size distribution measurement and found to be the same as before crosslinking treatment, confirming that the particles were monodispersed and free of agglomeration.

Comparative Example 1-1

The spherical beads of calcium alginate used in Example 1-1 (Flavikafine™ from Nisshinbo Chemical Inc; MV=20 μm) were treated as the B1 Particles.

[Comparative Example 1-2] Production of B2 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged into a 5,000 mL flask and dissolved by stirring for 2 hours using an agitator.

Sodium alginate   400.0 g (Kimika Algin ULV-L3G from Kimika Corporation; (20 mPa · s; 10 wt % aqueous solution)) Deionized water 3,600.0 g

The resulting aqueous solution was spray-dried (hot-air temperature, 200° C.) using a spray dryer, giving the B2 Particles. The resulting particles were examined with the SEM and the particle shapes checked, whereupon the particles were found to be spherical or approximately spherical. As a result of particle size distribution measurement, the particles were found to be monodispersed particles having an MV of 11 μm.

Comparative Example 1-3

The particles prior to crosslinking treatment obtained in the course of Example 1-2 were treated as the B3 Particles.

[Comparative Example 1-4] Production of B4 Particles

The ingredients shown below were charged all at once into a 2,000 mL flask and spherical polymer B4 Particles of polymethyl methacrylate alone having an average particle size of 5 m were produced by the same method as in Comparative Example 1-3 in WO 2016/181877 A1.

Water 1,386.5 g Methyl methacrylate   173.4 g Lauryl peroxide    8.6 g Polyvinyl pyrrolidone (K-30)   17.3 g

The shapes, chief raw materials, hydrophobizing agents and MV of Particles A1 to A7 and Bi1 to B4 are shown collectively in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Chief raw material MV Particles Hydrophobizing agent Crosslinking Main shape (μm) Hydrophobization Example 1-1 A1 sodium alginate calcium-crosslinked spherical 20 surface fatty acid salt Example 1-2 A2 sodium alginate calcium-crosslinked flattened 7 surface + interior amino acid salt with recesses Example 1-3 A3 sodium alginate calcium-crosslinked spherical 10 surface fatty acid salt Example 1-4 A4 sodium alginate calcium-crosslinked spherical 3 surface + interior amino acid salt Example 1-5 A5 potassium alginate calcium-crosslinked spherical, 33 surface + interior fatty acid salt approx. spherical Example 1-6 A6 sodium alginate calcium-crosslinked flattened 8 surface + interior sulfonic acid salt with recesses Example 1-7 A7 sodium alginate calcium-crosslinked flattened 12 surface + interior dodecanedioic acid with recesses salt Comparative B1 sodium alginate calcium-crosslinked spherical 20 none Example 1-1 Comparative B2 sodium alginate uncrosslinked spherical, 11 none Example 1-2 approx. spherical Comparative B3 sodium alginate amino uncrosslinked flattened 7 surface + interior Example 1-3 acid derivative salt with recesses Comparative B4 methyl methacrylate uncrosslinked spherical 5 none Example 1-4

[2] Measurement of Basic Properties Examples 2-1 to 2-7, Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-4

The contact angle, water absorption and oil absorption for each of Particles A1 to A7 and B1 to B4 were measured by the following methods, and evaluations of their heat resistances, chemical resistances and hot chemical resistances were carried out as described below.

Measurement of Contact Angle

Particles A1 to A7 and B1 to B4 were each applied to acrylic plates to which a two-sided tape had been attached, following which a water droplet was placed thereon and the contact angle after 30 seconds was measured using a contact angle meter (Drop Master 300, from Kyowa Interface Science Co., Ltd.). The results are shown in Table 2.

Measurement of Oil Absorption

The oil absorption was measured in accordance with the boiled linseed oil method described in JIS K 5101. The results are shown in Table 2.

Measurement of Water Absorption

Each type of particle, in an amount of 1 gram, was placed in a 500 mL beaker, following which 200 mL of deionized water was added and 30 minutes of suspension stirring (150 rpm, 25° C.) was carried out. The beaker contents were then transferred to a 500 mL centrifuge tube and 30 minutes of centrifugation at 2,000G was carried out using a centrifuge (himac CR20GII, from Koki Holdings Co., Ltd.). Following centrifugation, the supernatant was gently discarded, the specimen was removed from the centrifuge tube and the weight was measured (W_(w)). The specimen was then dried to a constant weight in a 105° C. drying oven and the dry weight was measured (D_(w)). The water absorption was calculated using the following formula. The results are shown in Table 2.

Water absorption(mL/100g)=((W _(w) −D _(w))/D _(w))×100

Evaluation of Heat Resistance

The respective particles, in amounts of 0.5 g, were placed in aluminum petri dishes and heated for 2 hours at 180° C. in a drying oven, following which the particles were visually checked for melting, the particle shapes were checked by SEM and the heat resistance was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 2.

Evaluation Criteria

-   -   Visual: ◯: No major change         -   Δ: Some melting         -   ×: Melted     -   SEM: 1: Particle shapes are those of produced particles         -   2: Particle shapes are maintained, but surface melting is             apparent in places         -   3: Partially melted, partial retention of particle shapes         -   4: No particle shapes apparent (completely melted)

[Evaluation of Chemical Resistance]

One gram of each type of particle and 99 g of the solvent shown in Table 3 were placed in a 300 mL flask (particle content, 1 wt %) and stirred for 2 hours at room temperature (25° C.), following which the dispersed state of the particles was visually ascertained, the particle shapes were checked by SEM, and the chemical resistance was evaluated according to the following criteria. The results are shown in Table 3.

Evaluation of Hot Chemical Resistance

One gram of each type of particle and 99 g of the solvent shown in Table 3 were placed in a 300 mL flask (particle content, 1 wt %) and stirred for 2 hours at 70° C., following which the dispersed state of the particles was visually ascertained, the particle shapes were checked by SEM, and the hot chemical resistance evaluation was evaluated according to the following criteria below. The results are shown in Table 3.

Evaluation Criteria

-   -   ⊚: In direct visual examination, particles are dispersed; in SEM         examination, particles are in shape of produced particles     -   ◯: In direct visual examination, particles are dispersed; in SEM         examination, particle shapes are maintained, with surface         melting apparent in places     -   Δ: In direct visual examination, particles are partially         dispersed; in SEM examination, particles are deformed     -   ×: In direct visual examination, particles have dissolved; in         SEM examination, no particle shapes remain

TABLE 2 Contact angle Water absorption (A_(w)) Oil absorption (A_(o)) Heat resistance Particles (°) (mL/100 g) (mL/100 g) A_(w)/A_(o) (Visual/SEM) Example 2-1 A1 109.5 118 92 1.28 ◯/1 Example 2-2 A2 129 122 80 1.53 ◯/1 Example 2-3 A3 112.5 106 88 1.20 ◯/1 Example 2-4 A4 102 132 74 1.78 ◯/1 Example 2-5 A5 88.5 102 76 1.34 ◯/1 Example 2-6 A6 75 108 94 1.15 ◯/1 Example 2-7 A7 72 98 78 1.26 ◯/1 Comparative B1 0 126 65 1.94 ◯/1 Example 2-1 Comparative B2 0 dissolved 60 — ◯/2 Example 2-2 Comparative B3 17.6 dissolved 65 — ◯/2 Example 2-3 Comparative B4 83.1 25 75 0.33  X/4 Example 2-4

TABLE 3 Water Toluene Ethyl acetate DPG Ethanol Room Room Room Room Room Particles temp. 70° C. temp. 70° C. temp. 70° C. temp. 70° C. temp. 70° C. Example 2-1 A1 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-2 A2 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-3 A3 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-4 A4 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-5 A5 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-6 A6 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-7 A7 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Comparative B1 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 2-1 Comparative B2 X X ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ Example 2-2 Comparative B3 X X ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ Example 2-3 Comparative B4 ◯ ◯ X X X X Δ X ◯ ◯ Example 2-4

[3] Sensory Tests and Evaluation of Adhesion Examples 3-1 to 3-7, Comparative Examples 3-1 to 3-4

Particles A1 to A7 and B1 to B4 were evaluated for feel, slip characteristics and particle adhesion by the methods described below. The results are shown in Table 4.

(1) Feel:

The feel of each type of particle when spread over the skin was evaluated based on the criteria shown below.

(2) Slip Characteristics:

One gram of each type of particle was placed on black synthetic leather and the length when spread by finger was evaluated based on the criteria shown below.

(3) Particle Adhesion:

One gram of each type of particle was placed on black synthetic leather and uniformly spread with a powder puff, following which the leather was struck three times and the amount of particles remaining was examined with a digital microscope (VHX200, from Keyence Corporation) and evaluated based on the criteria shown below.

Evaluation Criteria

-   -   ⊚: excellent     -   ◯: good     -   Δ: standard     -   ×: unacceptable

TABLE 4 Slip MV character- Particle Particles (μm) Feel istics adhesion Example 3-1 A1 20 ◯ ⊚ ◯ Example 3-2 A2 7 ⊚ ⊚ ⊚ Example 3-3 A3 10 ⊚ ◯ ◯ Example 3-4 A4 3 ⊚ ◯ ⊚ Example 3-5 A5 33 ◯ ⊚ ◯ Example 3-6 A6 8 ◯ ◯ ◯ Example 3-7 A7 12 ◯ ◯ ◯ Comparative Example 3-1 B1 20 X Δ Δ Comparative Example 3-2 B2 11 Δ Δ ◯ Comparative Example 3-3 B3 7 Δ Δ ◯ Comparative Example 3-4 B4 5 ◯ ◯ ◯

In terms of the feel and the slip characteristics, Particles A1 to A7, which were hydrophobically treated alginic acid particles, were at least comparable to Polymer Particle B4. As for particle adhesion, so long as they had a similar particle size, Particles A1 to A7 were able to maintain a comparable adhesion. On the other hand, Particles Bi and B2, which were not subjected to hydrophobizing treatment, tended to have somewhat diminished feel and slip characteristics owing to moisture absorption. The uncrosslinked, hydrophobically treated B3 particles too, due to moisture absorption by the base particles, tended to have diminished feel and slip characteristics.

[4] Test of Solubility in Aqueous Sodium Chloride Solution Examples 4-1 to 4-7, Comparative Examples 4-1 to 4-4

Particles A1 to A-7 and B1 to B4 were dispersed in water or an aqueous sodium chloride solution (sodium chloride concentration, 3 wt %) to a concentration of 0.1 wt % in each case, and solubility tests were carried out.

-   -   (1) Appearance: The condition when 72 hours had elapsed         following dispersion was visually checked.     -   (2) Shape: Changes in shape when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720         hours had elapsed following dispersion in an aqueous solution of         sodium chloride were ascertained by measuring the particle size         distribution.     -   (3) Transmittance: Letting SD1, SD2 and SD3 be the respective         percent transmittances to 560 nm wavelength light of a         dispersion prepared by dispersing the particles in an aqueous         solution of sodium chloride when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720         hours have elapsed following preparation, and letting WD1, WD2         and WD3 be the respective percent transmittances to 560 nm         wavelength light of a dispersion prepared by dispersing the         particles in water when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720 hours have         elapsed following preparation, the ratios WD1/SD1, WD2/SD2 and         WD3/SD3 were calculated. The transmittances were measured using         a UV-visible spectrophotometer (UV-2450, from JASCO         Corporation).

The results are shown in Table 5.

TABLE 5 Appearance Aqueous NaCl Particles Shape Water solution Shape SD WD WD/SD Example 4-1 A1 spherical after 72 hrs cloudy clear changed 89 16 0.18 after 240 hrs cloudy clear changed 90 17 0.19 after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 91 16 0.18 Example 4-2 A2 flattened after 72 hrs cloudy clear changed 82 18 0.22 with after 240 hrs cloudy clear changed 84 16 0.19 recesses after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 84 16 0.19 Example 4-3 A3 spherical after 72 hrs cloudy clear changed 84 18 0.21 after 240 hrs cloudy clear changed 86 18 0.21 after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 86 17 0.20 Example 4-4 A4 spherical after 72 hrs cloudy clear changed 88 24 0.27 after 240 hrs cloudy clear changed 89 23 0.26 after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 89 22 0.25 Example 4-5 A5 spherical, after 72 hrs cloudy clear changed 90 17 0.19 approx. after 240 hrs cloudy clear changed 91 17 0.19 spherical after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 91 17 0.19 Example 4-6 A6 flattened after 72 hrs cloudy translucent changed 77 19 0.25 with after 240 hrs cloudy clear changed 79 18 0.23 recesses after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 80 18 0.23 Example 4-7 A7 flattened after 72 hrs cloudy translucent changed 76 27 0.36 with after 240 hrs cloudy translucent changed 77 25 0.32 recesses after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 77 25 0.32 Comparative B1 spherical after 72 hrs cloudy clear changed 91 12 0.13 Example 4-1 after 240 hrs cloudy clear changed 90 12 0.13 after 720 hrs cloudy clear changed 90 12 0.13 Comparative B2 spherical, after 72 hrs clear clear changed 90 88 0.98 Example 4-2 approx. after 240 hrs clear clear changed 90 88 0.98 spherical after 720 hrs clear clear changed 90 88 0.98 Comparative B3 flattened after 72 hrs clear clear changed 86 85 0.99 Example 4-3 with after 240 hrs clear clear changed 85 84 0.99 recesses after 720 hrs clear clear changed 85 84 0.99 Comparative B4 spherical after 72 hrs cloudy cloudy unchanged 53 51 0.96 Example 4-4 after 240 hrs cloudy cloudy unchanged 53 51 0.96 after 720 hrs cloudy cloudy unchanged 53 51 0.96

[5] Production and Evaluation of Optical Measurement Sheets Examples 5-1 to 5-7, Comparative Examples 5-1 to 5-4

Compositions for optical measurement sheets were prepared by adding 35.0 g of a binder resin (a PVA resin from Kuraray Co., Ltd.) and 75.0 g of purified water to 15.0 g of, respectively, Particles A1 to A7 and B1 to B4 and mixing the ingredients together. Each of the resulting compositions was then coated onto one side of a 100 μm thick PET film (E-5000, from Toyobo Co., Ltd.) using a commercial bar coater. After coating, a drying oven was set to 60° C. and hot-air drying was carried out for 20 minutes, thereby producing Optical Sheets 1 to 11 having a coated layer thickness of 40 μm.

Using an automated goniophotometer (GP-200, from Murakami Color Research Laboratory Co., Ltd.), a fixed amount of light was irradiated onto each of Optical Sheets 1 to 11 at an incident angle of 45° and the light scattering distribution of the reflected light was measured. The light-diffusing performance of the sheet was evaluated according to the criteria shown below. The results are shown in Table 6.

Evaluation Criteria

Optical Sheet 11 (Polymer Particle B4) was used as the reference.

-   -   A: Good diffusing ability     -   B: Substantially the same diffusing ability     -   C: Poor diffusing ability

TABLE 6 Optical Diffusion sheet Particles properties Example 5-1 1 A1 B Example 5-2 2 A2 A Example 5-3 3 A3 B Example 5-4 4 A4 A Example 5-5 5 A5 B Example 5-6 6 A6 B Example 5-7 7 A7 B Comparative Example 5-1 8 B1 C Comparative Example 5-2 9 B2 dissolved, viscosity rose, could not form a sheet Comparative Example 5-3 10 B3 dissolved, viscosity rose, could not form a sheet Comparative Example 5-4 11 B4 reference

It was confirmed that by carrying out hydrophobizing treatment, a performance comparable to or better than that of general-purpose polymer particles can be obtained.

[6] Evaluation of Water Repellency Examples 6-1 to 6-7, Comparative Examples 6-1 to 6-4

Film-Coated Sheets 1 to 11 were each produced by adding Particles A1 to A7 and B1 to B4 in respective amounts of 5 wt % to a commercial oil-based paint (Pro Touch, from Rock Paint Co., Ltd.), applying the resulting paint onto an aluminum substrate and drying to form a paint film having a thickness after drying of 2 μm.

The resulting film-coated sheets were visually evaluated for the presence or absence of light reflectivity and gloss, and a sensory evaluation of the tactile effect was carried out. The tactile effect was determined by running the fingers over the applied film and evaluating the softness according to the criteria shown below. An aluminum substrate on which a film had not been formed was used as the blank. The results are shown in Table 7.

Evaluation Criteria

-   -   ◯: Soft feel     -   Δ: Some softness can be felt     -   ×: No softness

TABLE 7 Film- Reflectivity coated (hiding Soft sheet Particles power) Gloss feel Example 6-1 1 A1 ◯ no ◯ Example 6-2 2 A2 ◯ no ◯ Example 6-3 3 A3 ◯ no ◯ Example 6-4 4 A4 ◯ no ◯ Example 6-5 5 A5 ◯ no ◯ Example 6-6 6 A6 ◯ no ◯ Example 6-7 7 A7 ◯ no ◯ Comparative 8 B1 ◯ no Δ Example 6-1 Comparative 9 B2 Δ somewhat Δ Example 6-2 glossy Comparative 10 B3 Δ somewhat Δ Example 6-3 glossy Comparative 11 B4 dissolved dissolved X Example 6-4 Blank A1 — glossy yes X sub- strate

These results demonstrate that Film-Coated Sheets 1 to 7 containing Particles A1 to A7 have a high hiding power and are capable of being used as a delustering agent.

[7] Production and Evaluation of Skin Cleansing Compositions Examples 7-1 to 7-3, Comparative Example 7-1

Using Particles A1, A5, A7 and Bi, skin cleansing compositions (Cleansing Compositions 1 to 4) were produced according to the formulations shown in Table 8 below.

TABLE 8 Com- parative Example Example Example Example 7-1 7-2 7-3 7-1 Cleansing Cleansing Cleansing Cleansing Compo- Compo- Compo- Compo- sition sition sition sition 1 2 3 4 Ingredient Stearic acid 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Amounts Palmitic acid 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 (g) Myristic acid 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 Lauric acid 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Lauramido- 20.0 20.0 20.0 20.0 propyl- amine oxide Polypropylene 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 glycol (400) Triethanolamine 14.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 Ethylene glycol 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 distearate Purified water 41.0 41.0 41.0 41.0 Particle A1 3.0 — — — Particle A5 — 3.0 — — Particle A7 — — 3.0 — Particle B1 — — — 3.0

Evaluations were carried out by the following methods on each of the cleansing compositions prepared. The results are shown in Table 9.

Ten people were selected as panelists and usage tests in which the skin cleansing compositions were used to cleanse the face were carried out. The six qualities of “Feeling on Use 1,” “Feeling on Use 2,” “Latherability,” “Skin Cleansing and Exfoliating Effects,” “Massaging Effects” and “Irritancy” were evaluated according to the criteria shown below, based on which each composition was rated overall as a face scrub.

-   -   Feeling on Use 1: Pleasantness of application and agreeability         with the skin during use     -   Feeling on Use 2: Absence of feeling of residual face scrub and         skin tightness after rinsing off cleanser     -   Latherability: Ease of foam production and foam longevity when         cleanser is used     -   Skin Cleansing and Exfoliating Effects:         -   Degree to which makeup comes off following use     -   Massaging Effects: Whether or not massaging effects such as the         resolution of dark patches on the skin, improvement in facial         complexion and promotion of blood circulation can be provided         after washing     -   Irritancy: Absence of redness, tingling, etc. after rinsing off         cleanser

Evaluation Criteria for Each Quality

-   -   ⊚: Clearly effective (good feeling) [rated highly by 8 or more         panelists]     -   ◯: Found to be effective (somewhat good feeling) [rated highly         by 6 or 7 panelists]     -   □: Found to be effective (somewhat good feeling) [rated highly         by 4 or 5 panelists]     -   Δ: Not very effective (somewhat poor feeling) [rated highly by 2         or 3 panelists]     -   ×: Ineffective (poor feeling) [rated highly by no more than 1         panelist]

Scoring Criteria

-   -   ⊚: 8 points     -   ◯: 6 points     -   □: 4 points     -   Δ: 2 points     -   ×: 0 points

[Overall Rating]

-   -   A: 36 points or more     -   B: 28 to 35 points     -   C: 20 to 27 points     -   D: 19 points or less

TABLE 9 Com- parative Example Example Example Example 7-1 7-2 7-3 7-1 Cleansing Cleansing Cleansing Cleansing Compo- Compo- Compo- Compo- sition sition sition sition 1 2 3 4 Feeling on Use 1 ◯ ⊚ ◯ □ Feeling on Use 2 ◯ ◯ ⊚ ◯ Latherability ◯ ◯ ◯ Δ Skin Cleansing and ◯ ⊚ ◯ ◯ Exfoliating Effect Massaging Effect □ ◯ □ □ Irritancy ◯ ◯ ◯ □ Score 34 40 36 26 Overall evaluation B A A C as face scrub

As shown in Table 9, in terms of feeling and latherability as well, the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention are also useful as an additive (basic ingredient) in body cleansing compositions.

[8] Production and Evaluation of Skin Cosmetics (1) Examples 8-1 to 8-4 and Comparative Examples 8-1 and 8-2

Using Particles A2, A3, A4, A7, Bi1 and B4, makeup compositions (Foundations 1 to 6) were produced according to the formulations shown in Table 10 below.

TABLE 10 Comparative Comparative Example 8-1 Example 8-2 Example 8-3 Example 8-4 Example 8-1 Example 8-2 Foundation 1 Foundation 2 Foundation 3 Foundation 4 Foundation 5 Foundation 6 Ingredient Red iron oxide 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 0.4 amounts (g) Yellow iron oxide 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 Black iron oxide 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Titanium oxide 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 7.0 Zinc oxide 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 Silicone-treated 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 large-particle-size titanium oxide Lauroyl lysine powder 14.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 14.0 Titanium mica 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 4.0 Talc 37.97 37.97 37.97 37.97 37.97 37.97 Methyl phenyl polysiloxane 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 2.0 Crystalline cellulose 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 5.0 Cornstarch 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 10.0 Methylparaben 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Sodium dehydroacetate 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Liquid paraffin 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 Butylene glycol 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Coix seed extract 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Carrot extract 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Ubiquinone 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 0.03 Particle A2 10.0 — — — — — Particle A3 — 10.0 — — — — Particle A4 — — 10.0 — — — Particle A7 — — — 10.0 — — Particle B1 — — — — 10.0 — Particle B4 — — — — — 10.0

Fifteen people were selected as panelists and the feeling during use and the difference before and after use for Foundations 1 to 6 were evaluated overall in terms of the following five qualities: “adherence to skin,” “good fit when applied,” “sensation during use,” “soft focus effect” and “durability of cosmetic effect (4 hours),” based on which the acceptability of the cosmetic formulations was assessed as A to G below.

-   -   A: Foundation 1 was best     -   B: Foundation 2 was best     -   C: Foundation 3 was best     -   D: Foundation 4 was best     -   E: Foundation 5 was best     -   F: Foundation 6 was best     -   G: They were all the same

As a result, the assessments by the panelists were as follows:

-   -   A: 4 panelists     -   B: 3 panelists     -   C: 5 panelists     -   D: 2 panelists     -   E: 0 panelists     -   F: 1 panelist     -   G: 0 panelists

Most of the panelists thought that Foundations 1 and 3 were particularly outstanding with respect to “adherence to skin,” “soft focus effect” and “durability of cosmetic effect (4 hours),” and that the overall finish was good. Foundations 1 to 4 were preferred with regard to the “good fit when applied” and the “sensation during use.” Although there was some difference of opinion, most of the panelists thought that, owing to the reduced particle size and the fact that the particles have been hydrophobically treated, use is possible at a level of performance comparable to or better than the polymer ingredient in Foundation 6. Also, most of the panelists thought that Foundation 4 had a feeling of elasticity (softness). On the other hand, most of the panelists thought that the “adherence to skin” and the “sensation during use” were somewhat lacking in Foundation 6. These results demonstrate that the alginic acid particles of the invention can, as a cosmetics ingredient as well, exhibit properties comparable to or better than existing alginic acid particles.

[9] Production and Evaluation of Skin Cosmetics (2) Examples 9-1 to 9-4 and Comparative Examples 9-1 and 9-2

Using Particles A2, A3, A4, A7, Bi1 and B4, makeup compositions (Liquid Foundations 7 to 12) were produced according to the formulations shown in Table 11 below.

TABLE 11 Comparative Comparative Example 9-1 Example 9-2 Example 9-3 Example 9-4 Example 9-1 Example 9-2 Foundation 7 Foundation 8 Foundation 9 Foundation 10 Foundation 11 Foundation 12 Ingredient 2% Acrylic acid-alkyl 15 15 15 15 15 15 amounts (g) methacrylate copolymer dispersion 2% Carboxyvinyl polymer 15 15 15 15 15 15 dispersion Dipropylene glycol 5 5 5 5 5 5 Disodium edetate 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Purified water 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 2.7 Ethanol 15 15 15 15 15 15 Sorbitan monoisostearate 2 2 2 2 2 2 Polyoxyethylene (2) 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 C₁₂₋₁₆ alkyl ether phosphate 2-Ethylhexyl hydroxystearate 5 5 5 5 5 5 Methylcyclopolysiloxane 5 5 5 5 5 5 2-Amino-2-methyl-1-propanol 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.5 Titanium oxide 10 10 10 10 10 10 Red iron oxide 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Yellow iron oxide 1 1 1 1 1 1 Black iron oxide 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 0.1 Talc 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 3.7 Crosslinked silicone powder 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 2% Xanthan gum dispersion 15 15 15 15 15 15 Phenoxyethanol 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 0.2 Sodium dehydroacetate 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.05 Particle A2 1.0 — — — — — Particle A3 — 2.5 — — — — Particle A4 1.5 — 2.5 1 — — Particle A7 — — — 1.5 — — Particle B1 — — — — 2.5 — Particle B4 — — — — — 2.5

Fifteen people were selected as panelists, and the feeling during use and the difference before and after use for Foundations 7 to 12 were evaluated overall in terms of the following five qualities: “adherence to skin,” “good fit when applied,” “sensation during use,” “soft focus effect” and “durability of cosmetic effect (4 hours),” based on which the acceptability of the cosmetic formulations was assessed as A to G below.

-   -   A: Foundation 7 was best     -   B: Foundation 8 was best     -   C: Foundation 9 was best     -   D: Foundation 10 was best     -   E: Foundation 11 was best     -   F: Foundation 12 was best     -   G: They were all the same

As a result, the assessments by the panelists were as follows:

-   -   A: 4 panelists     -   B: 3 panelists     -   C: 3 panelists     -   D: 4 panelists     -   E: 0 panelists     -   F: 1 panelist     -   G: 0 panelists

Most of the panelists thought that, with respect to “adherence to skin,” “good fit when applied,” “sensation during use,” “soft focus effect” and “durability of cosmetic effect (4 hours),” Foundations 7 to 10 had a good overall finish. In particular, Foundations 7 to 10 were preferred and, although there was some difference of opinion, most thought that, in terms of conferring smoothness due to hydrophobic treatment, the “good fit when applied” and the “sensation during use” are good. In addition, some were of the opinion that the handleability of emulsification, stabilizability and dispersibility were excellent, and most thought that use is possible at a level of performance comparable to or better than the polymer ingredient in conventional Foundation 12. Also, most of the panelists thought that Foundation 10 had a feeling of elasticity (softness). On the other hand, most of the panelists thought that the “adherence to skin,” “good fit when applied” and “sensation during use” were somewhat lacking in Foundation 11. These results demonstrate that the alginic acid particles of the invention are able, as an ingredient in liquid cosmetics as well, to exhibit properties comparable to or better than existing alginic acid particles.

As shown above, the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention contain little extraneous matter such as agglomerates and can be stably and efficiently produced. Also, because crosslinkable particles that are heat resistant and resistant to (hot) chemicals can also be stably produced, use in various applications is possible.

Moreover, the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of the invention are particles that are size-controlled and environmentally friendly. Hence, particularly as a natural polymer-based soluble ingredient which is useful as a measure against marine pollution, such particles can be effectively used in applications for which, depending on the intended use, environmental compatibility is required, such as paints, inks, moldings, cosmetics, and fired and porosified molded products. 

1. Amphiphilic alginic acid particles obtained by subjecting a polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid to hydrophobizing treatment using a hydrophobizing agent, wherein the particles are hydrophobized by way of chemical bonding between some metal ions in the polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid and the hydrophobizing agent, have a contact angle 30 seconds after a water droplet is placed on the particles of at least 300 and not more than 150°, and have a water absorption per 100 g of particles and an oil absorption per 100 g of particles such that the water absorption is equal to or greater than the oil absorption.
 2. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 1, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is a salt compound.
 3. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 2, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is a carboxylic acid salt, an amino acid derivative salt, a sulfonic acid salt or a sulfur ester salt.
 4. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 3, wherein the hydrophobizing agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of carboxylic acid salts and amino acid derivative salts.
 5. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 1, wherein the metal is a metal that forms divalent ions.
 6. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 5, wherein the metal is calcium.
 7. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 1 which, at 25° C., are insoluble in water and soluble in a 3 wt % aqueous solution of sodium chloride.
 8. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 1 which have an average particle size of 5 mm or less.
 9. The amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim 1 wherein, letting SD1, SD2 and SD3 be the respective percent transmittances to 560 nm wavelength light of a dispersion prepared by dispersing the amphiphilic alginic acid particles in a 3 wt % aqueous solution of sodium chloride to a concentration of 0.1 wt % when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720 hours have elapsed following preparation, and letting WD1, WD2 and WD3 be the respective percent transmittances to 560 nm wavelength light of a dispersion prepared by dispersing the amphiphilic alginic acid particles in water to a concentration of 0.1 wt % when 72 hours, 240 hours and 720 hours have elapsed following preparation, at least one of the ratios WD1/SD1, WD2/SD2 and WD3/SD3 is 0.9 or less.
 10. A cosmetic comprising the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim
 1. 11. A paint comprising the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim
 1. 12. A resin composition comprising the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim
 1. 13. A molded or formed article comprising the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim
 1. 14. An electronic material comprising the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim
 1. 15. A sheet comprising the amphiphilic alginic acid particles of claim
 1. 16. A method for producing amphiphilic alginic acid particles, comprising the step of using a hydrophobizing agent to subject polyvalent metal salt of alginic acid-containing alginic acid particles to hydrophobizing treatment in a state where the hydrophobizing agent is not allowed to completely dissolve.
 17. A method for producing amphiphilic alginic acid particles, comprising the steps of spray-drying a solution containing a monovalent salt of alginic acid and an incompletely dissolved hydrophobizing agent to obtain particles, and then subjecting the particles to crosslinking treatment and at the same time hydrophobizing treatment using a polyvalent metal salt.
 18. A method for producing amphiphilic alginic acid particles, comprising the steps of forming a water droplet-in-oil emulsion which contains a monovalent salt of alginic acid and an incompletely dissolved hydrophobizing agent in the water droplets, and then carrying out crosslinking treatment using a polyvalent metal salt and at the same time carrying out hydrophobizing treatment with the hydrophobizing agent in an incompletely dissolved state. 